Do you want to learn how to play guitar?
A musical instrument usually with six strings that you play by pulling the strings with your fingers or with a ↑plectrum (=small piece of plastic, metal etc)
Do you want to learn how to play guitar?
guitar
noun
a musical instrument with strings:
I play the guitar in a band.
>> guitarist noun a person who plays the guitar
guitar
gui‧tar S3 W3 /ɡɪˈtɑː $ -ˈtɑːr/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Date: 1600-1700; Language: French; Origin: guitare, from Spanish guitarra, from Arabic qitar, from Greek kithara type of stringed instrument]
a musical instrument usually with six strings that you play by pulling the strings with your fingers or with a ↑plectrum (=small piece of plastic, metal etc)
an acoustic/an electric/a classical guitar ⇨ ↑bass guitar, ↑steel guitar
guitar
gui·tar [guitar guitars] [ɡɪˈtɑː(r)] [ɡɪˈtɑːr] noun
a musical instrument that usually has six strings, that you play with your fingers or with a plectrum
• an acoustic/an electric/a classical, etc. guitar
• a guitar player
• Do you play the guitar?
• She plays guitar in a band.
• As he sang, he strummed his guitar.
see also air guitar, bass
Word Origin:
early 17th cent.: from Spanish guitarra (partly via French), from Greek kithara, denoting an instrument similar to the lyre.
Example Bank:
• He gently plucked his guitar.
• He would stand in front of the mirror, playing air guitar to Van Halen songs.
guitar
guitar /gɪˈtɑːʳ/ US /-ˈtɑːr/
noun [C]
a musical instrument with six strings and a long neck which is usually made of wood, and which is played by pulling or hitting the strings with the fingers:
He sat on the grass, strumming his guitar.
an acoustic guitar
an electric guitar
guitarist /gɪˈtɑː.rɪst/ US /-ˈtɑːr.ɪst/
noun [C]
a person who plays the guitar:
a classical/folk/rock guitarist
guitar
/gɪtɑ:(r)/
(guitars)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
A guitar is a musical instrument with six strings and a long neck. You play the guitar by plucking or strumming the strings.
N-VAR: oft the N
guitar
gui·tar /gɪˈtɑɚ/ noun, pl -tars [count] : a musical instrument that is held against the front of your body and that has usually six strings which are played with your fingers or with a pick
• an acoustic/electric guitar
• I'm learning to play the guitar. = (US) I'm learning to play guitar.
• a guitar player
- see picture at stringed instrument
- gui·tar·ist /gɪˈtɑrɪst/ noun, pl -ists [count]
• She's a very talented guitarist.
Do you want to learn how to play guitar?
To perform a piece of music on a musical instrument
Do you want to learn how to play guitar?
verb (plays, playing, played )
1 to have fun; to do something to enjoy yourself:
The children were playing with their toys.
2 to take part in a game:
I like playing tennis.
Do you know how to play chess?
3 to make music with a musical instrument:
My sister plays the piano very well.
grammar
Note that we usually say 'play the violin, the piano, etc.': I'm learning to play the clarinet.
4 to put a record, CD, DVD, etc. in a machine and listen to it:
Shall I play the CD again?
5 to act the part of somebody in a play:
Who wants to play the policeman?
play
I. play1 S1 W1 /pleɪ/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑play, ↑interplay, ↑replay, ↑player, ↑playfulness; verb: ↑play, ↑outplay, ↑replay; adjective: ↑playful, ↑playable; adverb: ↑playfully]
[Language: Old English; Origin: plegan]
1. CHILDREN [intransitive and transitive] when children play, they do things that they enjoy, often with other people or with toys:
Kids were playing and chasing each other.
play catch/house/tag/school etc
Outside, the children were playing cowboys and Indians.
play with
Did you like to play with dolls when you were little?
Parents need to spend time just playing with their children.
2. SPORTS/GAMES
a) [intransitive and transitive] to take part or compete in a game or sport:
Karen began playing basketball when she was six.
If you feel any pain, you shouldn’t play.
Men were sitting in the park, playing cards.
play against
Bristol will play against Coventry next week.
She’s playing Helen Evans in the semi-final (=playing against her).
play for
Moxon played for England in ten test matches.
b) [transitive] to use a particular piece, card, person etc in a game or sport:
Harrison played a ten of spades.
The Regents played Eddie at center (=used him as a player in that position) in the game against Arizona.
c) [intransitive and transitive] to take a particular position on a team:
Garvey played first base for the Dodgers.
d) [transitive] to hit a ball in a particular way or to a particular place in a game or sport:
She played the ball low, just over the net.
MUSIC [intransitive and transitive]
to perform a piece of music on a musical instrument:
He’s learning to play the piano.
She played a Bach prelude.
Haden has played with many jazz greats.
A small orchestra was playing.
4. RADIO/CD ETC [intransitive and transitive] if a radio, CD etc plays, or if you play it, it produces sound, especially music:
The bedside radio played softly.
play a record/CD/tape etc
DJs playing the latest house and techno tracks
5. THEATRE/FILM
a) [transitive] to perform the actions and say the words of a particular character in a theatre performance, film etc:
Streep plays a shy, nervous woman.
play a role/part/character etc
Playing a character so different from herself was a challenge.
b) [intransitive] if a play or film is playing at a particular theatre, it is being performed or shown there:
‘Macbeth’ is playing at the Theatre Royal in York.
c) [transitive] if actors play a theatre, they perform there in a play
6. play a part/role to have an effect or influence on something
play a part/role in
A good diet and fitness play a large part in helping people live longer.
7. play ball
a) to throw, kick, hit, or catch a ball as a game or activity:
Jim and Karl were playing ball in the backyard.
b) to do what someone wants you to do:
So far, the company has refused to play ball, preferring to remain independent.
8. PRETEND [linking verb] to behave as if you are a particular kind of person or have a particular feeling or quality, even though it is not true:
the accusation that scientists are playing God
Some snakes fool predators by playing dead.
‘What do you mean?’ ‘Don’t play dumb (=pretend you do not know something).'
Don’t play the innocent (=pretend you do not know about something) with me – we both know what happened.
play the idiot/the teacher etc
Susan felt she had to play the good wife.
He played the fool (=behaved in a silly way) at school instead of working.
9. BEHAVE [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to behave in a particular way in a situation, in order to achieve the result or effect that you want:
How do you want to play this meeting?
Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked.
play it carefully/cool etc
If you like him, play it cool, or you might scare him off.
10. play games to hide your real feelings or wishes in order to achieve something in a clever or secret way – used to show disapproval:
Stop playing games, Luke, and tell me what you want.
11. play something by ear
a) to decide what to do according to the way a situation develops, without making plans before that time:
We’ll see what the weather’s like and play it by ear.
b) if someone can play a musical instrument by ear, they can play a tune without looking at written music
12. play a joke/trick/prank on somebody to do something to someone as a joke or trick
13. play the game
a) to do things in the way you are expected to do them or in a way that is usual in a particular situation:
If you want a promotion, you’ve got to play the game.
b) British English to behave in a fair and honest way
14. play the race/nationalist/environmentalist etc card to use a particular subject in politics in order to gain an advantage:
a leader who is skilfully playing the nationalist card to keep power
15. play your cards right to say or do things in a situation in such a way that you gain as much as possible from it:
Who knows? If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll marry you.
16. play your cards close to your chest to keep secret what you are doing in a situation
17. play into sb’s hands to do what someone you are competing with wants you to do, without realizing it:
If we respond with violence, we’ll be playing into their hands, giving them an excuse for a fight.
18. play for time to try to delay something so that you have more time to prepare for it or prevent it from happening:
The rebels may be playing for time while they try to get more weapons.
19. play tricks (on you) if your mind, memory, sight etc plays tricks on you, you feel confused and not sure about what is happening:
It happened a long time ago, and my memory might be playing tricks on me.
20. play the market to risk money on the ↑stock market as a way of trying to earn more money
21. play the system to use the rules of a system in a clever way, to gain advantage for yourself:
Accountants know how to play the tax system.
22. play second fiddle (to somebody) to be in a lower position or rank than someone else
23. play hard to get to pretend that you are not sexually interested in someone so that they will become more interested in you
24. SMILE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if a smile plays about someone’s lips, they smile slightly
25. play hooky American English, play truant British English to stay away from school without permission
26. play with fire to do something that could have a very dangerous or harmful result:
Dating the boss’s daughter is playing with fire.
27. play to your strengths to do what you are able to do well, rather than trying to do other things:
It is up to us to play to our strengths and try to control the game.
28. LIGHT [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] written if light plays on something, it shines on it and moves on it:
the sunlight playing on the water
29. WATER [intransitive] written if a ↑fountain plays, water comes from it
30. play a hose/light on something to point a ↑hose or light towards something so that water or light goes onto it
31. play the field to have sexual relationships with a lot of different people
32. play fast and loose with something to not be careful about what you do, especially by not obeying the law or a rule:
They played fast and loose with investors’ money.
33. play happy families British English to spend time with your family, doing normal things, especially so that your family appears to be happy when it is not
play around (also play about British English) phrasal verb
1. to have a sexual relationship with someone who is not your usual partner
play around with
Wasn’t she playing around with another man?
It was years before I realized he’d been playing around.
2. to try doing something in different ways, to see what would be best, especially when this is fun
play around with
Play around with the ingredients if you like.
3. to behave in a silly way or waste time, when you should be doing something more serious SYN fool around:
When the teacher wasn’t looking, we used to play about a lot.
play around with something (also play about with something British English) phrasal verb
to keep moving or making changes to something in your hands SYN fiddle with:
Will you stop playing around with the remote control!
play along phrasal verb
1. to pretend to agree to do what someone wants, in order to avoid annoying them or to get an advantage:
She felt she had to play along or risk losing her job.
2. play somebody along British English to tell someone something that is not true because you need their help in some way
play at something phrasal verb
1. What is somebody playing at? British English spoken used when you do not understand what someone is doing or why they are doing it, and you are surprised or annoyed:
What do you think you’re playing at?
2. if you play at doing something, you do not do it properly or seriously
play at doing something
He’s still playing at being an artist.
3. British English if children play at doctors, soldiers etc, they pretend to be doctors, soldiers etc
play at being something
a 14-year-old playing at being a grown woman
play something ↔ back phrasal verb
to play something that has been recorded on a machine so that you can listen to it or watch it:
He played back his answering machine messages.
play something ↔ down phrasal verb
to try to make something seem less important or less likely than it really is:
Management has been playing down the possibility of job losses.
play down the importance/seriousness/significance of something
The White House spokeswoman sought to play down the significance of the event.
play off phrasal verb
1. British English if people or teams play off, they play the last game in a sports competition, in order to decide who is the winner:
The top two teams will play off at Twickenham for the county title.
2. play off somebody/something American English to deliberately use a fact, action, idea etc in order to make what you are doing better or to get an advantage:
The two musicians played off each other in a piece of inspired improvisation.
play somebody off against somebody phrasal verb
to encourage one person or group to compete or argue with another, in order to get some advantage for yourself:
The house seller may try to play one buyer off against another, to raise the price.
play on/upon something phrasal verb
to use a feeling, fact, or idea in order to get what you want, often in an unfair way:
The ad plays on our emotions, showing a doctor holding a newborn baby.
play something ↔ out phrasal verb
1. if an event or situation is played out or plays itself out, it happens:
It will be interesting to see how the election plays itself out.
2. if people play out their dreams, feelings etc, they express them by pretending that a particular situation is really happening:
The weekend gives you a chance to play out your fantasies.
play up phrasal verb
1. play something ↔ up to emphasize something, sometimes making it seem more important than it really is:
Play up your strongest arguments in the opening paragraph.
2. play (somebody) up British English informal if children play up, they behave badly:
Jordan’s been playing up in school.
I hope the kids don’t play you up.
3. play (somebody) up British English informal to hurt you or cause problems for you:
My knee’s been playing me up this week.
The car’s playing up again.
play up to somebody phrasal verb
to behave in a very polite or kind way to someone because you want something from them:
Connie always plays up to her parents when she wants money.
play with somebody/something phrasal verb
1. to keep touching something or moving it:
Stop playing with the light switch!
2. to try doing something in different ways to decide what works best:
Play with the design onscreen, moving text and pictures until you get a pleasing arrangement.
3. to consider an idea or possibility, but not always very seriously SYN toy with:
After university, I played with the idea of teaching English in China.
4. money/time/space etc to play with money, time etc that is available to be used:
The budget is very tight, so there isn’t much money to play with.
5. play with yourself to touch your own sex organs for pleasure SYN masturbate
6. play with words/language to use words in a clever or amusing way
play
play [play plays played playing] verb, noun [pleɪ] [pleɪ]
verb
OF CHILDREN
1. intransitive, transitive to do things for pleasure, as children do; to enjoy yourself, rather than work
• You'll have to play inside today.
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
• ~ with sb/sth A group of kids were playing with a ball in the street.
• I haven't got anybody to play with!
• ~ sth Let's play a different game.
2. transitive, no passive, intransitive to pretend to be or do sth for fun
• ~ sth Let's play pirates.
• ~ at doing sth They were playing at being cowboys.
TRICK
3. transitive ~ a trick/tricks (on sb) to trick sb for fun
SPORTS/GAMES
4. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (with/against sb) to be involved in a game; to compete against sb in a game
• ~ sth to play football/chess/cards, etc.
• ~ sb France are playing Wales tomorrow.
• ~ sb at sth Have you played her at squash yet?
• ~ for sb He plays for Cleveland.
• ~ against sb France are playing against Wales on Saturday.
• + adv./prep. Evans played very well.
5. intransitive to take a particular position in a sports team
• + adv./prep. Who's playing on the wing?
• + noun I've never played right back before.
6. transitive ~ sb (+ adv./prep.) to include sb in a sports team
• I think we should play Matt on the wing.
7. transitive ~ sth to make contact with the ball and hit or kick it in the way mentioned
• She played the ball and ran forward.
• He played a backhand volley.
8. transitive ~ sth (in chess) to move a piece in chess, etc
• She played her bishop.
9. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (in card games) to put a card face upwards on the table, showing its value
• to play your ace/a trump
• He played out of turn!
MUSIC
10. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (on sth) to perform on a musical instrument; to perform music
• ~ (sth) to play the piano/violin/flute, etc.
• In the distance a band was playing.
• ~ sth (on sth) He played a tune on his harmonica.
• ~ sth to sb Play that new piece to us.
• ~ sb sth Play us that new piece.
11. transitive, intransitive to make a tape, CD, etc. produce sound
• ~ sth (for sb) Play their new CD for me, please.
• ~ (sb sth) Play me their new CD, please.
• My favourite song was playing on the radio.
• For some reason this CD won't play.
DVD/VIDEO
12. intransitive, transitive (of a DVD or video) to start working; to make a DVD or video start working
• This DVD won't play on my computer.
• ~ sth Click below to play videos.
• Nothing happens when I try to play a DVD.
• A short video was played to the court showing the inside of the house.
ACT/PERFORM
13. transitive ~ sth to act in a play, film/movie, etc; to act the role of sb
• The part of Elizabeth was played by Cate Blanchett.
• He had always wanted to play Othello.
14. intransitive to pretend to be sth that you are not
• + adj. I decided it was safer to play dead.
• + noun She enjoys playing the wronged wife.
15. intransitive ~ (to sb) to be performed
• A production of ‘Carmen’ was playing to packed houses.
HAVE EFFECT
16. transitive ~ a part/role (in sth) to have an effect on sth
• The media played an important part in the last election.
SITUATION
17. transitive ~ sth + adv./prep. to deal with a situation in the way mentioned
• He played the situation carefully for maximum advantage.
OF LIGHT/A SMILE
18. intransitive + adv./prep. to move or appear quickly and lightly, often changing direction or shape
• Sunlight played on the surface of the lake.
OF FOUNTAIN
19. intransitive when a fountain plays, it produces a steady stream of water
• Two huge fountains were playing outside the entrance.
Rem: Most idioms containing play are at the entries for the nouns and adjectives in the idioms, for example play the game is at game.
Word Origin:
Old English pleg(i)an ‘to exercise’, plega ‘brisk movement’, related to Middle Dutch pleien ‘leap for joy, dance’.
Thesaurus:
play verb
1. I, T
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
enjoy yourself • • have fun • • celebrate • |informal have a good/great time • • party • • live it up •
Let's play/enjoy ourselves/have fun/celebrate/have a good time/party/live it up.
2. T, I
• He plays football in a local team.
compete • • go in for sth • • enter •
play/compete in a competition, etc.
play/compete against sb
3. T, I
• Who played the part of Juliet?
• I could hear a band playing in the distance.
perform • • act • |especially spoken do •
play/perform/do a piece
play/act a role/part
a band/musician plays/performs/does sth
Play or act? When you are talking about drama act can be used with an object (act a part) as well as without (He just can't act.); play can only be used with an object (play a part) and is more commonly used in this way than act.
Synonyms:
entertainment
fun • recreation • relaxation • play • pleasure • amusement
These are all words for things or activities used to entertain people when they are not working.
entertainment • films, television, music, etc. used to entertain people: ▪ There are three bars, with live entertainment seven nights a week.
fun • (rather informal) behaviour or activities that are not serious but come from a sense of enjoyment: ▪ It wasn't serious— it was all done ▪ in fun ▪. ◊ ▪ We didn't mean to hurt him. It was just ▪ a bit of fun ▪. ◊ ▪ The lottery provides ▪ harmless fun ▪ for millions.
recreation • (rather formal) things people do for enjoyment when they are not working: ▪ His only form of recreation is playing football.
relaxation • (rather formal) things people do to rest and enjoy themselves when they are not working; the ability to relax: ▪ I go hill-walking for relaxation.
recreation or relaxation?
Both these words can be used for a wide range of activities, physical and mental, but relaxation is sometimes used for gentler activities than recreation: ▪ I play the flute in a wind band for recreation. ◊ ▪ I listen to music for relaxation.
play • things that people, especially children, do for enjoyment rather than as work: ▪ the happy sounds of children ▪ at play
pleasure • the activity of enjoying yourself, especially in contrast to working: ▪ Are you in Paris ▪ for business or pleasure ▪?
amusement • the fact of being entertained by sth: ▪ What do you do for amusement round here?
to do sth for entertainment/fun/recreation/relaxation/pleasure/amusement
to provide entertainment/fun/recreation/relaxation/amusement
Example Bank:
• Have you ever heard her play?
• He plays for Aston Villa.
• He plays for the Chicago Bears.
• I'm learning to play sax.
• I've never played John at tennis.
• Let's play at pirates!
• She has played in every game this season.
• She was playing cards with her mother.
• The band will be playing live in the studio.
• The little girl was playing with her toys.
• The other children wouldn't let him play.
• These guys make the team very difficult to play against.
• United are difficult to play against.
• a piece that is relatively easy to play
• learning to play the violin
• Do you want to play cards with me?
• Have you ever played her at chess?
• I haven't got anybody to play with!
• I've never played right back before.
• Let's play a different game.
• The part of the Queen was played by Helen Mirren.
• There's a time to work and a time to play.
• They play football on Saturday mornings.
• Who's playing on the wing?
• You'll have to play inside today.
play
play (RISK MONEY) /pleɪ/
verb [T]
to risk money, especially on the results of races or business deals, hoping to win more money:
He plays the horses/the stock market.
play (MOVE) /pleɪ/
verb
1 [I or T] to direct or be directed over or onto something:
Firefighters played their hoses onto the base of the fire.
A fountain was playing (= sending out water) in the courtyard outside.
2 [I + adverb or preposition] (of something you see, such as light) to move quickly or be seen briefly:
A smile played across/over/on his lips.
play (PRODUCE SOUNDS/PICTURES) /pleɪ/
verb [I or T]
1 to perform music on an instrument or instruments:
He learned to play the clarinet at the age of ten.
[+ two objects] Play us a song!/Play a song for us!
On Radio London they play African and South American music as well as rock and pop.
They could hear a jazz band playing in the distance.
Play up a bit (= play louder) - I can hardly hear you!
2 to (cause a machine to) produce sound or a picture:
Play the last few minutes of the video again.
play (ACT) /pleɪ/
verb
1 [I or T] to perform an entertainment or a particular character in a play, film or other entertainment:
In the film version, Kenneth Branagh played the hero.
North-West Opera played to full houses every night.
I didn't realize that 'Macbeth' was playing (= being performed) at the Guildhall.
2 [T] to behave or pretend in a particular way, especially in order to produce a particular effect or result:
to play dead/dumb
Would you mind playing host (= entertaining the guests)?
play (GAME) /pleɪ/
verb
1 [I or T] to take part in a game or other organized activity:
Do you want to play cards/football (with us)?
Irene won't be able to play in the match on Saturday.
Which team do you play for?
Luke plays centre-forward (= plays in that position within the team).
2 [T] to compete against a person or team in a game:
Who are Aston Villa playing next week?
3 [T] to hit or kick a ball in a game:
He played the ball back to the goalkeeper.
A good snooker player takes time deciding which shot to play.
4 [T] to choose a card, in a card game, from the ones you are holding and put it down on the table:
She played the ace of spades.
play (ENJOY) /pleɪ/
verb [I]
When you play, especially as a child, you spend time doing an enjoyable and/or amusing activity:
The children spent the afternoon playing in the garden.
My daughter used to play with the kids next door.
play
/pleɪ/
(plays, playing, played)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
When children, animals, or perhaps adults play, they spend time doing enjoyable things, such as using toys and taking part in games.
They played in the little garden...
Polly was playing with her teddy bear.
VERB: V, V with n
2.
When you play a sport, game, or match, you take part in it.
While the twins played cards, Francis sat reading...
Alain was playing cards with his friends...
I used to play basketball...
I want to play for my country...
He captained the team but he didn’t actually play.
V-RECIP: pl-n V n, V n with n, V n (non-recip), V for n (non-recip), V (non-recip)
3.
When one person or team plays another or plays against them, they compete against them in a sport or game.
Northern Ireland will play Latvia...
I’ve played against him a few times.
VERB: V n, V against n
4.
When you play the ball or play a shot in a game or sport, you kick or hit the ball.
Think first before playing the ball...
I played the ball back slightly.
VERB: V n, V n adv
5.
If you play a joke or a trick on someone, you deceive them or give them a surprise in a way that you think is funny, but that often causes problems for them or annoys them.
Someone had played a trick on her, stretched a piece of string at the top of those steps...
I thought: ‘This cannot be happening, somebody must be playing a joke’.
VERB: V n on n, V n
6.
If you play with an object or with your hair, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers, perhaps because you are bored or nervous.
She stared at the floor, idly playing with the strap of her handbag.
VERB: V with n
8.
If an actor plays a role or character in a play or film, he or she performs the part of that character.
...Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in which he played Hyde...
His ambition is to play the part of Dracula.
VERB: V n, V n
9.
You can use play to describe how someone behaves, when they are deliberately behaving in a certain way or like a certain type of person. For example, to play the innocent, means to pretend to be innocent, and to play deaf means to pretend not to hear something.
Hill tried to play the peacemaker...
So you want to play nervous today?
= act
V-LINK: V n, V adj
10.
You can describe how someone deals with a situation by saying that they play it in a certain way. For example, if someone plays it cool, they keep calm and do not show much emotion, and if someone plays it straight, they behave in an honest and direct way.
Investors are playing it cautious, and they’re playing it smart.
VERB: V it adj/adv
11.
If you play a musical instrument or play a tune on a musical instrument, or if a musical instrument plays, music is produced from it.
Nina had been playing the piano...
He played for me...
Place your baby in her seat and play her a lullaby...
The guitars played.
VERB: V n, V for n, V n n, V
12.
If you play a record, a CD, or a tape, you put it into a machine and sound is produced. If a record, CD, or tape is playing, sound is being produced from it.
She played her records too loudly...
There is classical music playing in the background.
VERB: V n, V, also V n n
13.
If a musician or group of musicians plays or plays a concert, they perform music for people to listen or dance to.
A band was playing...
He will play concerts in Amsterdam and Paris.
VERB: V, V n
14.
If you ask what someone is playing at, you are angry because you think they are doing something stupid or wrong. (INFORMAL)
What the hell are you playing at?
PHRASE: V inflects [feelings]
15.
When something comes into play or is brought into play, it begins to be used or to have an effect.
The real existence of a military option will come into play...
PHRASE: V inflects
16.
If something or someone plays a part or plays a role in a situation, they are involved in it and have an effect on it.
The UN would play a major role in monitoring a ceasefire.
...the role played by diet in disease.
PHRASE: V inflects, usu PHR in n
1play /ˈpleɪ/ verb plays; played; play·ing
1 : to do activities for fun or enjoyment
[no obj]
• The children were playing in the yard.
• Can Sara come out and play?
• He played by himself in his room.
- often + with
• She's outside playing with her friends.
• You already have lots of toys to play with.
• a baby playing with his toes
[+ obj]
✦If children play teacher/school (etc.), they play by pretending to be adults.
• She likes to play teacher/doctor with her sisters.
- see also play house at 1house
2 a : to participate in (a game or sport)
[+ obj]
• Did you play any sports in high school?
• She plays soccer.
• Do you want to play (a game of) cards/poker?
• No one dares to play chess with/against him.
• It's not whether you win or lose (that's important), it's how you play the game.
• The children were playing hide-and-seek.
[no obj]
• I have a chess set. Do you want to play?
• It's your turn to play.
• She hurt her wrist but decided to continue playing.
• He played in every major tournament this year.
• He's always dreamed of playing on a professional hockey team.
- often + for
• We never play for money.
• I'm on a basketball team at school, but I also play for fun with my friends.
✦If you play for a particular team, you are a member of that team.
• Babe Ruth played for the Yankees.
• He used to play for Boston but got traded to New York.
b : to compete against (someone) in a game
[+ obj]
• The Yankees are playing the Red Sox tonight at Yankee Stadium.
• No one dares to play him at chess.
• When Tom and I are finished with this game, you can play the winner.
[no obj]
• The Yankees and the Red Sox are playing at Yankee Stadium.
• She has played against some of the best tennis players in the world.
✦If you play (someone) for (something), you play a game in which the winner will be able to take or keep something.
• “Is that the last can of soda?” “Yeah, I'll play you for it.”
c [+ obj] : to have (a particular position on a sports team)
• He dreamed about playing quarterback in the National Football League.
• She played center field in their last game.
• He plays third base.
• What position does he play?
d [+ obj] : to allow (someone) to play during a game especially in a particular position
• Her coach didn't play her in yesterday's game.
• They decided to play him at first base.
e [+ obj] : to place (a playing card) on the table during your turn in a card game
• I played the ace of hearts.
- often used figuratively
• lawyers who play the race card to defend their clients [=who say that their clients were treated unfairly because of their race]
- see also play your cards close to the chest/vest at 1card play your cards right at 1card
f [+ obj] : to move (a piece) during your turn in a chess game
• He played his rook/bishop/queen for the win.
g [+ obj] : to hit, kick, throw, or catch (a ball, puck, etc.)
• You have to play the ball where it lies.
• He played a wedge shot to the green.
• He played a great shot to his opponent's forehand.
• The shortstop played the ball perfectly.
3 [+ obj]
a : to bet money on (something)
• I used to gamble a lot. Mostly, I played the races/horses/slots.
• She only plays the lottery when there's a large jackpot.
b : to invest money in (the stock market) in order to try to earn money
• You can lose a lot of money playing the (stock) market.
4 a : to perform music on (an instrument)
[+ obj]
• She's been playing the violin since she was 10 years old.
• Where did you learn to play the piano?
• He can play guitar and drums.
[no obj]
• He played while she sang.
• Would you play for us?
• He plays in a band.
b [no obj] of an instrument : to produce music
• I could hear a guitar playing in the distance.
c [+ obj] : to perform (a song, a piece of music, etc.) on an instrument
• Would you play something for us?
• The band played their new hit song.
• The conductor had us play the piece again from the beginning.
• The band played a waltz.
• She started her career playing country music.
d [+ obj] : to perform music written by (a particular composer)
• The orchestra will be playing Mozart tonight.
e : to perform music in (a particular place)
[+ obj]
• It was her dream to play Carnegie Hall.
• She prefers playing small concert halls rather than big stadiums.
• The band has been playing bars and nightclubs.
[no obj]
• We mostly play in bars and nightclubs.
5 : to cause (a song, a piece of music, a movie, etc.) to be heard or seen
[+ obj]
• You kids are playing your music too loud.
• The radio station plays mostly hip-hop and R&B.
• Who decides which songs get played on the radio?
• We're waiting for you to play the movie.
• I asked him to play the album/CD/DVD for me.
[no obj]
• Our favorite song was playing on the radio.
• Classical music played softly in the background.
• The movie/DVD is already playing.
6 [no obj] : to be shown or performed usually more than one time
• The film is now playing [=is now being shown] in theaters across the country.
• What's playing at the theater/movies?
• The show has been playing to full/packed houses.
7 a [+ obj] : to act the part of (a particular character) in a film, play, etc.
• He played the lead role in Hamlet.
• Her character is being played by a relatively unknown actress.
• She's not a doctor, but she plays one on TV.
- often used figuratively
• My wife never disciplines the children. She gets to play the good guy while I have to play the bad guy. [=I have to discipline the children]
• I survived a terrible tragedy, but I don't want to play the victim. [=I don't want to act like a victim]
- often used with part or role
• Luck played an important part in their success. [=a lot of their success was because of luck]
• The essay discusses the role that television plays in modern society. [=the effect that television has on modern society]
• He's been playing the part/role of the jealous husband. [=he has been acting like a jealous husband]
• We all have a part/role to play in the future of this company. [=we all will be involved in an important way in the future of this company]
- see also role-play
b [no obj] : to pretend that you have a particular quality or are in a particular condition
• Don't play [=act] all innocent with me!
• She tried to teach her dog to play dead. [=to lie on its back and pretend to be dead]
• If anyone asks you about it, play dumb. [=act like you do not know anything about it]
8 : to act or behave in a particular way
[no obj]
• It's a very competitive business, and not everyone plays fair. = Not everyone plays by the rules.
• If you play smart [=if you make good decisions], you should be able to graduate in four years.
[+ obj]
• She didn't want to seem too eager, so she decided to play it cool. [=to act calm]
• If you play it smart, you should be able to graduate in four years.
• I decided to play it safe [=to be careful and avoid risk or danger] and leave early so that I would be sure to arrive on time.
- see also play by ear at 1ear
9 [no obj] : to do or say things in a joking way
• Don't take it so seriously. He was just playing. [=kidding, joking]
- often + around
• I was just playing around. I didn't really mean it.
• Stop playing around and talk to me seriously for a moment.
10 [+ obj] : to do (something) to someone in order to amuse yourself or others
• He's known for playing pranks, so I wouldn't trust him if I were you.
- usually + on
• Let's play a joke on her.
• The students got in trouble for playing a trick on their teacher.
• I can't believe what I'm seeing. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.
11 [+ obj] informal : to use or control (someone or something) in a clever and unfair way
• I'm never going to let anyone play me again.
• She played you like a fool.
- often + for
• She realized too late that she had been played for a fool.
• They had been playing the guy for a sucker all along.
12 [+ obj] : to base a decision or action on (something)
• Sometimes you just have to play your luck [=to take a chance] and hope that everything turns out okay.
• The coach was playing the odds that his pitcher would get through the inning without giving up a run.
• Criminal investigators need to play [=to act on] their hunches.
13 [no obj] US : to be accepted or received in a particular way
• The script looked good on paper but didn't play well on Broadway.
- often + with
• His idea did not play well with the committee. [=the committee did not like his idea]
14 [no obj] : to move in a lively and irregular way
• A knowing smile played on/about her lips.
• We watched the moonlight playing on the water.
play along [phrasal verb] : to agree to do or accept what other people want
• They wanted me to cooperate with them, but I refused to play along. [=go along]
• If I pretend to be sick, will you play along and tell everyone that I had to go to the doctor?
- often + with
• I refused to play along with them.
• Will you play along with my plan?
play around also Brit play about [phrasal verb]
1 : to have sex with someone who is not your husband, wife, or regular partner
• He's not the kind of guy who plays around. [=fools around, messes around]
- often + on
• She's been playing around on her husband.
- often + with
• She's been playing around with one of her coworkers.
2 : to deal with or treat something in a careless way
• When it comes to protecting his family, he doesn't play around. [=fool around, mess around]
- often + with
• You can't play around with diabetes; it's a very serious disease.
3 : to use or do something in a way that is not very serious
• It's time to stop playing around [=fooling around] and get busy.
- often + on
• I spent the evening playing around on the piano/computer/Internet.
- often + with
• I'm not really a painter; I just like to play around with paints.
4 play around with (something) : to move or change (something) or to think about (something) in different ways often in order to find out what would work best
• I see you've been playing around with the living room furniture again.
• The supervisor played around with our work schedules this week.
• We played around with the idea for a while but eventually realized that it just wouldn't work.
- see also 1play 9 (above)
play at [phrasal verb] play at (something)
1 : to do (something) in a way that is not serious
• They were only playing at trying to fix the problem.
2 chiefly Brit : to play by pretending to be (someone or something)
• (Brit) She liked to play at doctors and nurses as a child.
- often used in the phrase play at being (something)
• boys playing at being soldiers
3 Brit
- used to say in an annoyed way that you do not know the reason for someone's behavior
• What is he playing at?
• I have no idea what he was playing at.
play back [phrasal verb] play back (something) or play (something) back : to cause (recorded sounds or pictures) to be heard or seen
• The machine allows you to record and play back sounds.
• We finished recording our first take and played it back to hear how it sounded.
• He played the tape back to/for us.
- see also playback
play ball
- see 1ball
play down [phrasal verb] play down (something) or play (something) down : to make (something) seem smaller or less important
• She played down [=downplayed] her role in the research.
• It was a significant mistake though our CEO tried to play it down.
play fast and loose : to behave in a clever and dishonest way - usually + with
• He was accused of playing fast and loose with the truth. [=of being dishonest]
• reporters playing fast and loose with the facts
play for laughs or play (something) for laughs : to act in a funny way that makes people laugh
• She's fantastic in serious roles, but she also knows how to play for laughs.
• Most performers would have taken a serious tone during the scene, but he decided to play it for laughs.
play for time : to try to make something happen later instead of sooner : to try to delay something
• They're just playing for time, hoping that the situation will resolve itself.
play games
- see 1game
play God usually disapproving : to make decisions that have a very powerful and important effect on other people's lives
• lawyers who play God with people's lives
play hard to get : to pretend that you are not interested in having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone in order to make that person more attracted to you
• She's been playing hard to get, but I can tell that she likes me.
play into [phrasal verb] play into (something) : to help support (something, such as an idea)
• This new evidence plays into their theory quite nicely.
• Her methods play into the stereotype that lawyers are dishonest.
play into someone's hands or play into the hands of someone : to do something that you do not realize will hurt you and help someone else
• You're only playing into their hands by making such ridiculous accusations.
play off [phrasal verb]
1 chiefly Brit : to participate in a game that decides a winner from people or teams that had the same results in an earlier game : to play in a play-off
• The two teams played off for third place.
- see also play-off
2 play off (someone or something) US : to react to (someone or something) in a pleasing way : to combine with (someone or something) in a way that makes each part better
• In this scene, the two actors play off each other extremely well.
• The sweetness of the wine plays off the sharp flavor of the cheese.
3 play (someone or something) off against (someone or something) : to cause two people or groups to fight or compete with each other in a way that helps you
• They have been playing him off against his old enemies. [=causing him to fight with his old enemies]
• He played one side off against the other.
play on also play upon [phrasal verb] play on/upon (something) : to make people do what you want by using (their emotions, fears, concerns, etc.) in an unfair way
• The company plays on [=takes advantage of] the concerns of parents in order to sell their products.
• Politicians often win votes by playing on [=exploiting] people's emotions.
play out [phrasal verb]
1 a : to happen or occur in usually a gradual way
• Let's wait and see how things play out. [=take place, develop]
• The consequences of the error will play out for several years to come.
• Their personal tragedy was being played out in public.
b play out (something) or play (something) out : to make (something) happen
• She got to play out [=realize] her fantasy of being on TV.
• We watch professional athletes play out [=act out, live out] our dreams on the field.
• This scene plays itself out [=happens] daily in every large city in this country.
2 play out (something) or play (something) out : to finish (something)
• Her coach let her play out the rest of the season but said she wouldn't be allowed on the team next year.
• We'll stop the game after we play out this hand.
• playing out dangerous experiments
• That style of music had played itself out [=stopped being current or popular] and the record companies wanted something new.
- see also played-out
play the field : to have romantic or sexual relationships with more than one person at a time : to date more than one person
• He wanted to play the field a bit before he got married and settled down.
play the fool
- see 1fool
play to [phrasal verb]
1 play to (someone or something) : to behave or perform in a particular way for (someone or something) in order to get approval or attention
• He didn't mean what he was saying. He was just playing to the crowd.
• He loves publicity and plays to the cameras every chance he gets.
2 play to (something) : to make use of (something)
• a film that plays to stereotypes of housewives
• In his latest album, he once again plays to his strengths as a classical musician.
play to the gallery
- see gallery
play up [phrasal verb]
1 play up (something) or play (something) up
a : to talk about or treat (something) in a way that gives it special importance : to emphasize or stress (something)
• During the interview, try to play down your weaknesses and play up your strengths.
b : to make (something) seem bigger or more important
• It was only a small achievement though our CEO tried to play it up.
2 play up or play (someone) up Brit : to cause problems or pain
• The children have been playing up [=misbehaving, acting up] again.
• The camera started playing up [=acting up] after I dropped it.
• Whenever it rains, my arthritis starts playing up. [=acting up]
• My back has been playing me up again.
play with [phrasal verb] play with (something)
1 : to move or handle (something) with your hands or fingers often without thinking
• She played with her hair while she talked on the phone.
• Stop playing with your food and eat.
2 : to handle, change, or deal with (something) in a careless way
• I played [=fiddled, messed] with the radio for a while but couldn't get it to work.
• It's important to teach your children not to play with guns/fire/matches.
• Don't play with [=play around with] my heart/emotions.
• You have to take this seriously. You're playing with people's lives!
• They're playing with other people's money.
3 : to think about (something) briefly and not very seriously
• Management has been playing with [=toying with] the idea of moving to a different building.
• I played with the idea of moving to Chicago but ended up staying in New York.
play with fire : to do something that is risky or dangerous
• People who use drugs are playing with fire.
play with words/language : to use words that sound similar or that have several different meanings especially in a clever or funny way
• a writer who enjoys playing with words
play with yourself : to touch your own sex organs for sexual pleasure : masturbate
Potatoes are a rich source of vitamins.
a round white vegetable with a brown, red, or pale yellow skin, that grows under the ground
Potatoes are a rich source of vitamins.
potato
noun (plural potatoes)
a white vegetable with a brown or red skin that grows underground:
a baked potato
mashed potato
potato
po‧ta‧to S2 /pəˈteɪtəʊ $ -toʊ/ BrE AmE noun (plural potatoes)
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Spanish; Origin: batata, from Taino]
1. [uncountable and countable] a round white vegetable with a brown, red, or pale yellow skin, that grows under the ground
roast/fried/boiled/mashed potato
jacket potato (=cooked in its skin)
Marie stood at the sink, peeling potatoes (=cutting off the skin).
2. [countable] a plant that produces potatoes
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ peel potatoes (=cut the skin off them) Peel and slice the potatoes.
▪ slice potatoes (=cut them into long thin pieces)
▪ dice potatoes (=cut them into small square pieces)
▪ mash potatoes (=crush them until they are smooth, after boiling them)
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + potato
▪ boiled potatoes Serve with plain boiled potatoes.
▪ mashed potato(es) (=boiled and crushed until smooth) I like sausages with mashed potatoes.
▪ roast potatoes (=cooked in an oven with fat) traditional roast beef with roast potatoes
▪ a baked/jacket potato (=cooked in its skin) We cooked baked potatoes in the embers of the fire.
potato
po·tato [potato potatoes] [pəˈteɪtəʊ] [pəˈteɪtoʊ] noun
countable, uncountable (pl. po·tatoes)
a round white vegetable with a brown or red skin that grows underground as the root of a plant also called a potato
• Will you peel the potatoes for me?
• roast/boiled/baked/fried potatoes
Word Origin:
mid 16th cent.: from Spanish patata, variant of Taino batata ‘sweet potato’. The English word originally denoted the sweet potato and gained its current sense in the late 16th cent.
Example Bank:
• a plate of fried potato skins
• baked potatoes with sour cream and chives
• potatoes baked in their jackets
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
potato / pəteɪ.təʊ / / -t̬oʊ / noun [ C or U ] ( plural potatoes )
potato A1 a round vegetable which grows underground and has white flesh with light brown, red, or pink skin, or the plant on which these grow:
boiled/roasted/fried potatoes
mashed potato/mashed potatoes
© Cambridge University Press 2013
potato
[pəte͟ɪtoʊ]
♦♦♦
potatoes
1) N-VAR Potatoes are quite round vegetables with brown or red skins and white insides. They grow under the ground.
2) PHRASE: N inflects You can refer to a difficult subject that people disagree on as a hot potato.
...a political hot potato such as abortion.
potato
po·ta·to /pəˈteɪtoʊ/ noun, pl -toes
1 : a round root of a plant that has brown, yellow, or red skin and white or yellow flesh and that is eaten as a vegetable
[count]
• baked/mashed/roasted/boiled potatoes
[noncount]
• slices of potato
• mashed potato
• potato salad
- see also jacket potato, sweet potato
2 [count] : the plant that produces potatoes
• She's growing carrots and potatoes in her garden this year.
- see also couch potato, hot potato, meat and potatoes, small potatoes
I made a guitar and painted it red.
To make a picture, design etc using paint
I made a guitar and painted it red.
paint
verb (paints, painting, painted)
1 to put paint on something to change the colour:
We painted the walls grey.
2 to make a picture of somebody or something using paints:
I'm painting a picture of some flowers.
My sister paints very well.
II. paint2 S2 W3 BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑paint, ↑painter, ↑painting, repaint; verb: ↑paint, repaint; adjective: ↑painterly]
[Date: 1100-1200; Language: Old French; Origin: peint, past participle of peindre 'to paint', from Latin pingere]
1. [intransitive and transitive] to put paint on a surface:
The ceiling needs painting.
brightly painted houses
paint something (in) blue/red/green etc
We painted the door blue.
Paint the walls in a contrasting colour.
The living room was painted in pastel shades of pink and blue.
2. [intransitive and transitive] to make a picture, design etc using paint:
A white cross was painted on the door.
Turner is famous for painting landscapes.
paint in oils/watercolours etc (=paint using a particular type of paint)
He paints mainly in acrylics.
3. [transitive] to put a coloured substance on part of your face or body to make it different or more attractive:
The children’s faces were painted to look like animals.
She’d painted her toenails with red nail polish.
4. [transitive] to describe someone or something in a particular way
paint somebody/something as something
She’s often been painted as a tough businesswoman.
paint a grim/rosy/gloomy picture of somebody/something
Dickens painted a grim picture of Victorian life.
The article painted him in a bad light (=described him in a way that made him seem bad).
5. paint the town (red) informal to go out to bars, clubs etc to enjoy yourself
⇨ not be as black as you are painted at ↑black1(10)
paint something ↔ out phrasal verb
to cover part of a picture or sign with paint so that it can no longer be seen:
The name of the firm had been partially painted out.
paint over something phrasal verb
to cover a picture or surface with new paint:
Much of the original decoration was painted over.
verb
1. transitive, intransitive ~ sth (with sth) to cover a surface or object with paint
• ~ (sth) We've had the house painted.
• Paint the shed with weather-resistant paint.
• a brightly painted barge
• ~ sth + adj./noun The walls were painted yellow.
2. transitive, intransitive to make a picture or design using paints
• ~ sth/sb to paint portraits
• A friend painted the children for me (= painted a picture of the children).
• ~ sth on sth Slogans had been painted on the walls.
• ~ (in sth) She paints in oils.
• My mother paints well.
3. transitive to give a particular impression of sb/sth
Syn: portray
• ~ sb/sth as sth The article paints them as a bunch of petty criminals.
• ~ sb/sth in… The documentary painted her in a bad light.
4. transitive ~ sth to put coloured make-up on your nails, lips, etc.
more at not as black as he/she/it is painted at black adj.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from peint ‘painted’, past participle of Old French peindre, from Latin pingere ‘to paint’.
Thesaurus:
paint verb T
• The walls were painted yellow
stain • • dye • • tint • |BrE colour • |AmE color •
paint/stain/dye/tint/colour sth with sth
paint/stain/dye/tint/colour sth red/yellow/green, etc.
paint/stain wood
Collocations:
Fine arts
Creating art
make a work of art/a drawing/a sketch/a sculpture/a statue/engravings/etchings/prints
do an oil painting/a self-portrait/a line drawing/a rough sketch
create a work of art/an artwork/paintings and sculptures
produce paintings/portraits/oil sketches/his most celebrated work/a series of prints
paint a picture/landscape/portrait/mural/in oils/in watercolours/(especially US) in watercolors/on canvas
draw a picture/a portrait/a cartoon/a sketch/a line/a figure/the human form/in charcoal/in ink
sketch a preliminary drawing/a figure/a shape
carve a figure/an image/a sculpture/an altarpiece/reliefs/a block of wood
sculpt a portrait bust/a statue/an abstract figure
etch a line/a pattern/a design/a name into the glass
mix colours/(especially US) colors/pigments/paints
add/apply thin/thick layers of paint/colour/(especially US) color/pigment
use oil pastels/charcoal/acrylic paint/a can of spray paint
work in bronze/ceramics/stone/oils/pastels/watercolour/a wide variety of media
Describing art
paint/depict a female figure/a biblical scene/a pastoral landscape/a domestic interior
depict/illustrate a traditional/mythological/historical/religious theme
create an abstract composition/a richly textured surface/a distorted perspective
paint dark/rich/skin/flesh tones
use broad brush strokes/loose brushwork/vibrant colours/a limited palette/simple geometric forms
develop/adopt/paint in a stylized manner/an abstract style
Showing and selling art
commission an altarpiece/a bronze bust of sb/a portrait/a religious work/an artist to paint sth
frame a painting/portrait
hang art/a picture/a painting
display/exhibit modern art/sb's work/a collection/original artwork/ drawings/sculptures/a piece
be displayed/hung in a gallery/museum
install/place a sculpture in/at/on sth
erect/unveil a bronze/marble/life-size statue
hold/host/mount/open/curate/see (especially BrE) an exhibition/(NAmE usually) exhibit
be/go on (BrE) exhibition/(NAmE) exhibit
feature/promote/showcase a conceptual artist/contemporary works
collect African art/modern British paintings/Japanese prints
restore/preserve a fresco/great works of art
Collocations:
Decorating and home improvement
Houses
refurbish/renovate/ (BrE) do up a building/a house
convert a building/house/room into homes/offices/(especially NAmE) apartments/(BrE) flats
extend/enlarge a house/building/room/kitchen
build (BrE) an extension (to the back/rear of a house)/(NAmE) an addition (on/to sth)/(BrE) a conservatory
knock down/demolish a house/home/building/wall
knock out/through the wall separating two rooms
Decoration
furnish/paint/ (especially BrE) decorate a home/house/apartment/flat/room
be decorated in bright colours/(especially US) colors/in a traditional style/with flowers/with paintings
paint/plaster the walls/ceiling
hang/put up/strip off/remove the wallpaper
install/replace/remove the bathroom fixtures/(BrE) fittings
build/put up shelves
lay wooden flooring/timber decking/floor tiles/a carpet/a patio
put up/hang/take down a picture/painting/poster/curtain
DIY/home improvement
do (BrE) DIY/carpentry/the plumbing/the wiring
make home improvements
add/install central heating/underfloor heating/insulation
fit/install double-glazing/a smoke alarm
insulate your house/your home/the walls/the pipes/the tanks/(especially BrE) the loft
fix/repair a roof/a leak/a pipe/the plumbing/a leaking (especially BrE) tap/(NAmE usually) faucet
block/clog (up)/unblock/unclog a pipe/sink
make/drill/fill a hole
hammer (in)/pull out/remove a nail
tighten/untighten/loosen/remove a screw
saw/cut/treat/stain/varnish/paint wood
Example Bank:
• I like to paint on canvas.
• Paint the box all over with varnish.
• The walls had been painted very badly.
• We painted the walls light green.
• a crudely painted human figure
• an artist who usually paints in oils
• the cheerful, brightly painted doors
• A friend painted the children for me.
• My mother paints quite well.
• We've decided to have the house painted.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
paint / peɪnt / verb
A2 [ I or T ] to cover a surface with paint:
[ + obj + adj ] We've painted the bedroom blue.
I've been painting all morning.
I'll need to paint over (= cover with another layer of paint) these dirty marks on the wall.
A1 [ I or T ] to make a picture using paints:
All these pictures were painted by local artists.
[ T ] If someone paints their nails or face, they put make-up on that part of their body:
She painted her nails bright red.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
3.
If you paint a wall or an object, you cover it with paint.
They started to mend the woodwork and paint the walls...
I made a guitar and painted it red.
...painted furniture.
VERB: V n, V n colour, V-ed, also V
4.
If you paint something or paint a picture of it, you produce a picture of it using paint.
He is painting a huge volcano...
Why do people paint pictures?...
I had come here to paint.
VERB: V n, V n, V
5.
When you paint a design or message on a surface, you put it on the surface using paint.
...a machine for painting white lines down roads...
The recesses are decorated with gold stars, with smaller stars painted along the edges.
VERB: V n prep, V-ed
6.
If a woman paints her lips or nails, she puts a coloured cosmetic on them.
She propped the mirror against her handbag and began to paint her lips...
She painted her fingernails bright red.
VERB: V n, V n colour
7.
If you paint a grim or vivid picture of something, you give a description of it that is grim or vivid.
The report paints a grim picture of life there...
VERB: V n
2paint verb paints; paint·ed; paint·ing
1 [+ obj] : to cover (something) with paint : to put paint on (something)
• I need to paint the bookcase.
• We're going to paint the room yellow.
• The classroom wall was painted with clouds and rainbows.
2 : to make (a picture or design) by using paints
[+ obj]
• He painted that portrait of his wife.
• She painted the landscape on a square canvas.
• The store carries hand-painted tiles. [=tiles that have pictures or designs on them that were painted by a person and not by a machine]
[no obj]
• She paints well.
• I like to draw and my sister likes to paint.
• The beauty of the world inspires me to paint.
• He paints mostly in oils.
- compare draw
3 [+ obj] : to describe (someone or something) in a particular way
• The study paints a bleak/grim picture of the effects of pollution on animal life.
• Opponents paint a picture of the president as corrupt and irresponsible. = Opponents paint the president as corrupt and irresponsible.
4 [+ obj] : to put makeup on (a part of the body)
• She painted her nails with pink nail polish.
• She put on eye shadow and painted her lips with red lipstick.
paint over [phrasal verb] paint over (something) : to cover (something) with a layer of paint
• They painted over the graffiti.
paint the town (red) informal : to go out drinking, dancing, etc., to have a good time
It's all stored on the computer.
An electronic machine that stores information and uses programs to help you find, organize, or change the information
It's all stored on the computer.
computer
noun
a machine that can store and find information, calculate amounts and control other machines:
All the work is done by computer.
He spends a lot of time on the computer, sending emails.
a computer program (= information that tells a computer what to do)
They play computer games every evening.
computer
com‧put‧er S1 W1 AC /kəmˈpjuːtə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[Word Family: noun: ↑computer, ↑computing, ↑computerization; verb: ↑computerize]
an electronic machine that stores information and uses programs to help you find, organize, or change the information:
a huge global computer network
the latest computer software
on computer
The information is stored on computer.
by computer
Shoppers can send in their orders by computer and pick up their goods later.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ use a computer Most people do jobs in which they have to use a computer.
▪ log onto a computer (=start using it by typing a password) Next time you log onto your computer, you will have to use a new password.
▪ log off a computer (=stop using a computer system that requires a password)
▪ switch a computer on/off Always switch off your computer at the end of the day.
▪ start up/boot up a computer (=make it start working)
▪ shut down a computer (=close the programs and stop it working)
▪ restart/reboot a computer (=make it start working again) The problem sometimes disappears if I restart my computer.
▪ program a computer (=give it instructions so that it will do a particular job)
▪ hold/store something on a computer This data is all held on a central computer.
▪ a computer starts up/boots up My computer takes ages to start up in the morning.
▪ a computer crashes (=suddenly stops working)
▪ a computer is down (=is not working)
▪ a computer is up (=is working again after stopping working)
▪ software/a program runs on a computer You’ll need the appropriate software running on your computer.
■ computer + NOUN
▪ a computer system Our office is installing a new computer system.
▪ a computer screen/monitor Make sure your computer screen is at the right height.
▪ a computer keyboard The computer keyboard is shaped to put less strain on your wrists.
▪ a computer network (=a set of computers connected to each other) A virus had infected the entire computer network.
▪ a computer program (=a set of instructions stored inside a computer) At school, we’re learning how to write simple computer programs.
▪ computer software (=computer programs) Microsoft Corp is the world’s largest maker of personal computer software.
▪ computer hardware/equipment (=machines and equipment, not programs) a shop that sells computer equipment
▪ a computer game Kids love playing computer games.
▪ computer graphics (=images created by computers) There’s a massive market for high-speed computer graphics.
▪ computer technology the rapid progress in computer technology
▪ computer science (=the study of computers and what they can do)
▪ the computer industry You can make a lot of money in the computer industry.
▪ a computer company He runs his own computer company.
▪ a computer user Technology now allows computer users to talk to each other over the Internet.
▪ a computer programmer (=someone who writes the instructions a computer uses to do a particular job)
▪ a computer expert You don’t need to be a computer expert to use the programme.
▪ a computer hacker (=someone who tries to break into a computer system)
▪ a computer language (=a system of instructions used to program a computer)
▪ computer data CD ROMs store computer data.
▪ a computer virus (=a program that secretly destroys information stored on computers) Computer viruses do a lot of damage every single day.
▪ a computer error The mistake was caused by a computer error.
• • •
THESAURUS
■ Actions when using a computer
▪ start up/boot up to make a computer start working: I’m having problems starting up my computer.
▪ log on/in to start using a computer system by typing your name and password: He logged on and read his emails.
▪ click on something to press a button on a computer mouse to choose a program, file etc from the screen: When you click on the link, it sends you to the company’s website.
▪ install to add new software to a computer so that the software is ready to be used: All users should install anti-virus software.
▪ download to move information, pictures, or music from the Internet onto your computer: You can download MP3 files.
▪ upload to move information, pictures, or music from your computer to a different computer across the Internet: Sites such as YouTube allow you to upload your own videos.
▪ open to make a file or program ready to use: Open a new file and type in the information.
▪ scroll up/down to move information on a computer screen up or down so that you can read it: Scroll down to read the questions and answers.
▪ enter to type information into a computer: The program requires you to enter a password.
▪ delete to remove information from a computer: I’ve deleted his email. | When you delete a file, it first gets moved to the recycle bin.
▪ cut and paste to remove information from one place and put it in another place: Tutors are looking out for students who cut and paste their essays from the Internet.
▪ save to make a computer keep the work that you have done on it: Make sure you save any work you do before you shut the computer down.
▪ close to stop having a file or program ready to use: To close the window, click on the ‘X’ in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
▪ log off/out to stop using a computer system by giving it particular instructions: I get an error message when I log off.
▪ shut down to make a computer stop working: Employees should shut their computers down at the end of each day.
▪ restart/reboot to make a computer start working again: Wait a few minutes before rebooting your computer.
computer
com·puter AW [computer computers] [kəmˈpjuːtə(r)] [kəmˈpjuːtər] noun
an electronic machine that can store, organize and find information, do calculations and control other machines
• a personal computer
• Our sales information is processed by computer.
• a computer program
• computer software/hardware/graphics
• a computer error
• computer-aided design
see also desktop computer, microcomputer, personal computer, supercomputer
Example Bank:
• A computer model is used to predict forces affecting the aircraft in flight.
• Building a computer has many benefits over buying one.
• Computers can be networked using modems and telephone lines.
• He hacked (into) the school computer with the principal's password.
• It's all stored on the computer.
• It's awful when a virus crashes your computer.
• My computer says that the hard drive is corrupted.
• Such a large sorting operation can take up a lot of computer time.
• The computer stores data in a buffer until the printer can accept it.
• The computers are all down at the moment.
• The computers are all down= not functioning at the moment.
• The data is all held on computer.
• The problem was caused by a computer glitch.
• The software allows you to interface your computer and an OCR reader.
• technicians who fix computers
• the market for home computers
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
computer / kəmpju.tə r / / -t̬ɚ / noun [ C or U ]
A1 an electronic machine that is used for storing, organizing, and finding words, numbers, and pictures, for doing calculations, and for controlling other machines:
a personal/home computer
All our customer orders are handled by computer.
We've put all our records on computer.
computer software/hardware
computer graphics
a computer program
Word partners for computer
restart / shut down / start up a computer • be connected to / hooked up to a computer • a computer crashes • use a computer • on a computer • by computer • computer equipment / hardware / programs / software • computer literacy
© Cambridge University Press 2013
computer
/kəmpju:tə(r)/
(computers)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
A computer is an electronic machine that can store and deal with large amounts of information.
The data are then fed into a computer...
The car was designed by computer.
N-COUNT: also by/on N
computer
com·put·er /kəmˈpjuːtɚ/ noun, pl -ers [count] : an electronic machine that can store and work with large amounts of information
• He works all day on/with a computer.
• a personal/desktop/laptop computer
- often used before another noun
• a computer program/game/virus
• computer software
Have your pasta with hot sauce.
an Italian food made from flour, eggs, and water and cut into various shapes, usually eaten with a sauce
Have your pasta with hot sauce.
pasta
noun (no plural)
an Italian food that is made from flour, water and sometimes eggs, which comes in many different shapes:
pasta with tomato sauce
pasta
pas‧ta /ˈpæstə $ ˈpɑː-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[Date: 1800-1900; Language: Italian; Origin: Late Latin; ⇨ ↑paste1]
an Italian food made from flour, eggs, and water and cut into various shapes, usually eaten with a sauce:
I eat a lot of pasta.
pasta
pasta [pasta pastas] [ˈpæstə] [ˈpɑːstə] noun uncountable
an Italian food made from flour, water and sometimes eggs, formed into different shapes and usually served with a sauce. It is hard when dry and soft when cooked.
Word Origin:
late 19th cent.: from Italian, literally paste.
Example Bank:
• Toss the pasta with the hot sauce.
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
pasta / pæs.tə / / pɑ.stə / noun [ U ]
A2 a food made from flour, water, and sometimes egg, that is cooked and usually served with a sauce. It is made in various shapes that have different names:
Spaghetti, lasagne, ravioli, and cannelloni are all types of pasta.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
pasta
[pæ̱stə, AM pɑ͟ːstə]
pastas
N-MASS
Pasta is a type of food made from a mixture of flour, eggs, and water that is formed into different shapes and then boiled. Spaghetti, macaroni, and noodles are types of pasta.
pasta
pas·ta /ˈpɑːstə, Brit ˈpæstə/ noun, pl -tas : a food made from a mixture of flour, water, and sometimes eggs that is formed into different shapes (such as thin strips, tubes, or shells) and usually boiled
[noncount]
• They ordered pasta with meat sauce.
• pasta salad/sauce
[count]
• Breads and pastas are high in carbohydrates.
The car won't start, can you fix it?
To repair something that is broken or not working properly
The car won't start, can you fix it?
fix
verb (fixes, fixing, fixed )
1 to put something in a place so that it will not move:
We fixed the shelf to the wall.
2 to decide a date or an amount for something same meaning set:
They've fixed a date for the wedding.
3 to repair something:
The light isn't working – can you fix it?
fix
I. fix1 S2 W2 /fɪks/ BrE AmE verb
[Date: 1400-1500; Language: Latin; Origin: fixus, past participle of figere 'to fasten']
1. REPAIR [transitive] to repair something that is broken or not working properly:
He’s outside fixing the brakes on the car.
Ellis was able to quickly find and fix the problem.
2. LIMIT [transitive]
a) to decide on a limit for something, especially prices, costs etc, so that they do not change SYN set
fix something at something
The interest rate has been fixed at 6.5%.
Rent was fixed at $1,750 per month.
b) if two or more companies fix the price for a particular product or service, they secretly agree on the price they will charge for it, in order to keep the price high and make more profit. This practice is illegal:
The government accused the two companies of fixing petrol prices.
3. fix a time/date/place etc to decide on a particular time etc when something will happen:
Have you fixed a date for the wedding yet?
4. ARRANGE (also fix up) [intransitive and transitive] spoken to make arrangements for something:
‘So when do I get to meet them?’ ‘Tomorrow, if I can fix it.’
fix (it) for somebody to do something
I’ve fixed for you to see him this afternoon at four.
5. ATTACH [transitive] to attach something firmly to something else, so that it stays there permanently
fix something to/on something
The shelves should be fixed to the wall with screws.
6. PREPARE FOOD [transitive] informal especially American English to prepare a meal or drinks SYN get:
I’ll watch the kids and you fix dinner.
fix somebody something
Can I fix you a snack?
Terry fixed herself a cold drink and sat out on the balcony.
7. SOLVE [transitive] to find a solution to a problem or bad situation:
The government seems confident that environmental problems can be fixed.
8. fix your attention/eyes/mind etc on somebody/something to think about or look at someone or something carefully:
Aziz tried to fix his mind on the job at hand.
Every eye was fixed on the new girl.
9. fix somebody with a stare/glare/look etc literary to look directly at someone for a long time:
Rachel fixed him with an icy stare.
10. HAIR/FACE [transitive] especially American English to make your hair or ↑make-up look neat and attractive:
Who fixed your hair for the wedding?
Hold on. Let me just fix my face (=put on make-up) before we go out.
11. CAT/DOG [transitive] American English informal to do a medical operation on a cat or dog so that it cannot have babies SYN neuter
12. RESULT [transitive] to arrange an election, game etc dishonestly, so that you get the result you want:
Many suspected that the deal had been fixed in advance.
13. PAINTINGS/PHOTOGRAPHS [transitive] technical to use a chemical process on paintings, photographs etc that makes the colours or images permanent
14. PUNISH [transitive] informal used to say that you will punish someone you are angry with:
If anybody did that to me, I’d fix him good.
15. be fixing to do something American English spoken to be preparing to do something – used in some parts of the US:
I’m fixing to go to the store. Do you need anything?
fix on somebody/something phrasal verb
to choose a suitable thing or person, especially after thinking about it carefully:
We’ve finally fixed on a place to have the concert.
fix somebody/something ↔ up phrasal verb
1. to arrange a meeting, event etc:
I fixed up an interview with him.
We’ll have to fix up a time to meet.
2. to decorate or repair a room or building SYN do up:
We fixed up the guest bedroom before he came to stay.
3. to provide someone with something they want
fix somebody/something ↔ up with
Can you fix me up with a bed for the night?
4. to find a suitable romantic partner for someone
fix somebody/something ↔ up with
I asked my best friend to fix me up with someone.
fix
fix [fix fixes fixed fixing] verb, noun [fɪks] [fɪks]
verb
ATTACH
1. ~ sth (+ adv./prep.) (especially BrE) to put sth firmly in a place so that it will not move
• to fix a shelf to the wall
• to fix a post in the ground
• (figurative) He noted every detail so as to fix the scene in his mind.
ARRANGE
2. ~ sth to decide on a date, a time, an amount, etc. for sth
Syn: set
• Has the date of the next meeting been fixed?
• They fixed the rent at £100 a week.
• Their prices are fixed until the end of the year (= will not change before then).
3. to arrange or organize sth
• ~ sth (for sb) I'll fix a meeting.
• ~ sth up (for sb) You have to fix visits up in advance with the museum.
• ~ sth with sth (informal) Don't worry, I'll fix it with Sarah.
• ~ (up) (for sb) to do sth I've fixed up (for us) to go to the theatre next week.
POSITION/TIME
4. ~ sth to discover or say the exact position, time, etc. of sth
• We can fix the ship's exact position at the time the fire broke out.
REPAIR
5. ~ sth to repair or correct sth
• The car won't start— can you fix it?
• I've fixed the problem.
FOOD/DRINK
6. (especially NAmE) to provide or prepare sth, especially food
• ~ sb sth Can I fix you a drink?
• ~ sth for sb Can I fix a drink for you?
• ~ sth I'll fix supper.
HAIR/FACE
7. ~ sth (especially NAmE) to make sth such as your hair or face neat and attractive
• I'll fix my hair and then I'll be ready.
RESULT
8. often passive ~ sth (informal) to arrange the result of sth in a way that is not honest or fair
• I'm sure the race was fixed.
PUNISH
9. ~ sb (informal) to punish sb who has harmed you and stop them doing you any more harm
• Don't worry— I'll fix him.
IN PHOTOGRAPHY
10. ~ sth (technical) to treat film for cameras, etc. with a chemical so that the colours do not change or become less bright
ANIMAL
11. ~ sth (NAmE, informal) to make an animal unable to have young by means of an operation
see also neuter
more at if it ain't broke, don't fix it at ain't
Word Origin:
late Middle English: partly from Old French fix ‘fixed’, partly from medieval Latin fixare ‘to fix’, both from Latin fixus, past participle of figere ‘fix, fasten’. The noun dates from the early 19th cent.
Thesaurus:
fix verb
1. T (especially BrE)
• He fixed the shelf to the wall.
attach • • fasten • • tie • • strap • • tape • • stick • |formal secure •
fix/attach/fasten/tie/strap/tape/stick/secure sth to sth
fix/put/fasten/tie/strap/tape/stick sth on sth
fix/fasten/tie/strap/tape/stick sth together
2. T
• The date was fixed well in advance.
set • • schedule • • book • |especially BrE timetable •
fix/set/schedule/book/timetable sth for sth
fix/set/schedule/book/timetable sb/sth to do sth
fix/set/schedule/book a time/date/day
fix/set/schedule/timetable a meeting
3. T
• I took the car to the garage to get it fixed.
repair • • patch sth up • |especially BrE mend •
fix/repair/mend a road/fence/roof/bike/puncture
fix/repair a car/television/fault/defect/leak
get sth fixed/repaired/mended
Fix or repair? The most general word in British English is repair. Fix is less formal and used to talk about repairing machines and equipment. In American English fix is the usual word to talk about repairing sth that is damaged or broken, and repair sounds rather formal.
4. T
• Don't imagine that the law can fix everything.
correct • • cure • • remedy • |especially BrE put sth right • |formal rectify • • redress •
fix/correct/cure/remedy/put right/rectify/redress what…
fix/correct/cure/remedy/put right/rectify/redress a problem
fix/correct/remedy/put right/rectify a mistake/error/fault
Fix or put sth right? These are both rather informal, but fix is used more in business contexts and in American English.
Example Bank:
• Fix the bars in position with the screws provided.
• The handrail can be fixed directly to the wall.
• We need to get the TV fixed.
• a problem which can be fixed quickly
• Could you fix the TV aerial?
• Don't imagine that the law can fix everything.
• Go right on through. I'm just fixing the drinks.
• How are you fixed for Thursday?
• I had to take the car into the garage to get it fixed.
• I'm just going to fix myself some breakfast.
• I'm sure the match was fixed.
• I've fixed up for you to see the doctor tomorrow.
• Look around and try to fix the scene in your mind.
• Mommy, can you fix my toy?
• She tried to fix things between them, but nothing worked.
• Start by fixing a post in the ground.
• The company had a bad image that needed fixing.
• The dates have to be fixed well in advance.
• Their departure was fixed for 14 August.
• We'll go tomorrow then. Will you fix it with the others?
• We're not moving in until the heating's fixed.
• We're trying to fix the cash flow problem by reducing costs.
• to rig/fix an election
Idiom: fix somebody with a look/stare/gaze
Derived: fix on somebody ▪ fix somebody up ▪ fix something on somebody ▪ fix something up
fix
fix (KEEP) /fɪks/
verb [T usually + adverb or preposition]
to continue to think about or remember something:
It is somehow fixed in my mind that my fate and that woman's are intertwined.
She was so frightened that she could not fix her thoughts on anything.
fix (STOP REPRODUCTION) /fɪks/
verb [T] US INFORMAL
to remove the reproductive organs of an animal
fix (SIGHT) /fɪks/
verb [T]
to keep something or someone in sight:
His eyes were fixed on the distant yacht.
She fixed the child with a stare of such disapproval he did not dare move.
fix (PRESERVE COLOURS) /fɪks/
verb [T] SPECIALIZED
to treat something, especially photographic material with chemicals to prevent its colours from becoming paler
fix /fɪks/
verb [I] SLANG
to inject an illegal drug:
We saw kids as young as twelve fixing in doorways.
fix (PUNISH) /fɪks/
verb [T] SLANG
to punish especially someone who has been unfair:
I'm gonna fix her if she doesn't stop telling lies about me!
fix (CHEAT) /fɪks/
verb [T often passive]
to do something dishonest to make certain that a competition, race, or election is won by a particular person:
Several jockeys were arrested on suspicion of fixing the race.
It sounds like the election was fixed.
fix (PREPARE FOOD) /fɪks/
verb [T] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to cook or prepare food or drink:
Whose turn is it to fix dinner?
[+ two objects] Can I fix you a drink?/Can I fix a drink for you?
fix (REPAIR) /fɪks/
verb [T]
1 to repair something:
They couldn't fix my old computer, so I bought a new one.
2 to make your hair, make-up, clothes, etc. look tidy:
Give me a couple of minutes while I fix my hair.
fix (ARRANGE) /fɪks/
verb [I or T] MAINLY UK
to arrange or agree a time, place, price, etc:
Shall we fix a time for our next meeting?
I understand the rent is fixed at £750 a month.
fix (FASTEN) /fɪks/
verb [T + adverb or preposition]
to fasten something in position so that it cannot move:
We fixed the bookcase to the wall.
fix
/fɪks/
(fixes, fixing, fixed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
If something is fixed somewhere, it is attached there firmly or securely.
It is fixed on the wall...
He fixed a bayonet to the end of his rifle.
= fasten
VERB: be V-ed prep/adv, V n prep/adv
2.
If you fix something, for example a date, price, or policy, you decide and say exactly what it will be.
He’s going to fix a time when I can see him...
The prices of milk and cereals are fixed annually.
= set
VERB: V n, V n
3.
If you fix something for someone, you arrange for it to happen or you organize it for them.
I’ve fixed it for you to see Bonnie Lachlan...
It’s fixed. He’s going to meet us at the airport...
They thought that their relatives would be able to fix the visas...
He vanished after you fixed him with a job...
We fixed for the team to visit our headquarters...
They’d fixed yesterday that Mike’d be in late today.
VERB: V it for n to-inf, be V-ed, V n, V n with n, V for n to-inf, V that
4.
If you fix something which is damaged or which does not work properly, you repair it.
He cannot fix the electricity...
If something is broken, we get it fixed.
= mend
VERB: V n, get/have n V-ed
5.
If you fix a problem or a bad situation, you deal with it and make it satisfactory.
It’s not too late to fix the problem, although time is clearly getting short...
Fixing a 40-year-old wrong does not mean, however, that history can be undone.
VERB: V n, V-ing
7.
If you fix your eyes on someone or something or if your eyes fix on them, you look at them with complete attention.
She fixes her steel-blue eyes on an unsuspecting local official...
Her soft brown eyes fixed on Kelly...
The child kept her eyes fixed on the wall behind him.
VERB: V n on n, V on n, V-ed
8.
If someone or something is fixed in your mind, you remember them well, for example because they are very important, interesting, or unusual.
Leonard was now fixed in his mind...
Amy watched the child’s intent face eagerly, trying to fix it in her mind.
VERB: be V-ed in n, V n in n
9.
If someone fixes a gun, camera, or radar on something, they point it at that thing.
The US crew fixed its radar on the Turkish ship...
VERB: V n on n
11.
If you fix some food or a drink for someone, you make it or prepare it for them.
Sarah fixed some food for us...
Let me fix you a drink...
Scotty stayed behind to fix lunch.
VERB: V n for n, V n n, V n
12.
If you fix your hair, clothes, or make-up, you arrange or adjust them so you look neat and tidy, showing you have taken care with your appearance. (INFORMAL)
‘I’ve got to fix my hair,’ I said and retreated to my bedroom...
VERB: no passive, V n
13.
If someone fixes a race, election, contest, or other event, they make unfair or illegal arrangements or use deception to affect the result.
They offered opposing players bribes to fix a decisive league match against Valenciennes...
...this week’s report of match-fixing.
= rig
VERB: V n, V-ing [disapproval]
14.
If you accuse someone of fixing prices, you accuse them of making unfair arrangements to charge a particular price for something, rather than allowing market forces to decide it. (BUSINESS)
...a suspected cartel that had fixed the price of steel for the construction market...
The company is currently in dispute with the government over price fixing.
VERB: V n, V-ing [disapproval]
17.
If you say that you are fixing to do something, you mean that you are planning or intending to do it. (AM INFORMAL)
I’m fixing to go to graduate school...
VERB: only cont, V to-inf
1fix /ˈfɪks/ verb fix·es; fixed; fix·ing [+ obj]
1 a : to make (something) whole or able to work properly again : to repair (something)
• He fixed the fence last weekend.
• I need to fix this dent in my car.
• fix a leaky faucet
b : to deal with or correct (a problem)
• Your proposals won't fix [=solve] anything.
• People expect the schools to fix whatever is wrong with their kids.
2 : to attach (something) in such a way that it will not move
• All tables on the ship will be fixed to the floor. : to connect or join (things) physically
• fix [=attach, fasten] this sign to your door
• The table was fixed firmly to the floor.
• The scarf was fixed in place with a pin.
- sometimes used figuratively
• I want to fix this moment in my mind forever. [=I want to remember this moment forever]
3 a : to set or place (something) definitely
• They haven't yet fixed the date of their wedding.
• They fixed the price at $10.
• illegal price fixing
b : to find out (something) with certainty
• Investigators are still attempting to fix the exact time of the accident.
• We're trying to fix [=get a fix on] the ship's location.
c : to arrange the details of something
• My lawyer fixed it [=made arrangements] so I wouldn't have to go to court.
4 chiefly US
a : to make (something, such as a meal) ready
• fix [=prepare, make] dinner
• Can I fix [=make] you a drink? = Can I fix a drink for you?
b informal : to make (someone's hair, makeup, etc.) neat or attractive
• We had to wait 10 minutes while she fixed her hair.
• fixing her lipstick/makeup
5 : to control or affect (something, such as a game or election) in a dishonest way
• They were accused of fixing games in college.
• The election was fixed.
• fix a parking ticket [=arrange for someone to not have to pay a fine for parking illegally]
6 : to change the appearance of (someone's face, nose, etc.) through surgery
• She wants to get her nose fixed.
7 informal : to do something to punish (someone who has treated you badly or unfairly)
• They thought they could cheat me, but I fixed them good.
• I'll fix you!
8 US : to make (an animal) unable to reproduce : to neuter or spay (an animal)
• You should have your dog/cat fixed.
9 US informal + old-fashioned : to be or get ready to do something
• They were fixing to leave.
• It looks like it's fixing to rain. [=it's about to rain]
✦This sense of fix is sometimes used humorously to suggest the speech of cowboys in western movies.
10 technical : to change (nitrogen) into a stable or useful form
• bacteria that fix nitrogen
fix on/upon [phrasal verb] fix on/upon (something)
1 : to direct your attention or thoughts toward (something) : to focus on (something)
• He has fixed on/upon the idea of going back to school.
• All eyes fixed on her as she entered the room. [=everyone looked at her as she entered the room]
2 : to make a decision about or choose (something)
• After weeks of discussion, they've finally fixed on a solution.
fix (someone) with a stare/look (etc.) : to look directly at (someone) usually in an angry way
• She fixed him with an angry stare. [=she stared at him angrily]
fix up [phrasal verb]
1 fix up (something) or fix (something) up : to improve the appearance or condition of (something, such as a building) by repairing it, making changes to it, etc.
• We spent thousands of dollars fixing up our house.
- see also fixer-upper
2 fix (someone or something) up chiefly US : to make (someone or something) more attractive or fancy
• I need a few minutes to fix myself up before we leave.
• She got herself all fixed up [=dressed up, spruced up] for the party.
3 fix (someone) up
a : to provide (someone) with something that is needed or wanted
• They can fix you up with a rental car at the airport.
b : to provide a possible boyfriend or girlfriend for (someone) : to arrange a date for (someone)
• My mother tried to fix me up with one of her friends' sons.
fix your eyes/gaze (etc.) on/upon : to look at (someone or something) steadily
• Everyone fixed their eyes on her as she entered the room.
fix your hopes/sights (etc.) on/upon : to direct your hopes, efforts, etc., toward (something)
• They fixed their sights on winning the championship.
• She has her hopes fixed on a career in journalism. [=she hopes/wants to have a career in journalism]
if it ain't broke, don't fix it
- see 2broke
- fix·able /ˈfɪksəbəl/ adj
• All the car's problems are fixable.
- fix·er /ˈfɪksɚ/ noun, pl -ers [count]
You draw beautifully.
To produce a picture of something using a pencil, pen etc
You draw beautifully.
verb (draws, drawing, drew /, has drawn )
pronunciation
The word draw sounds like more.
1 to make a picture with a pen or a pencil:
She drew a picture of a horse.
He has drawn a car.
My sister draws well.
2 to pull or take something from a place:
I drew my chair up closer to the fire.
He drew a knife from his pocket.
3 to pull something to make it move:
The carriage was drawn by two horses.
4 to open or close curtains:
I switched on the light and drew the curtains.
5 to move or come:
The train drew into the station.
6 to end a game with the same number of points for both players or teams:
Liverpool and Tottenham drew in last Saturday's match.
draw back to move away from somebody or something:
He came close but she drew back.
draw something out to take money out of a bank:
I drew out £50 before I went shopping.
draw up to come to a place and stop:
A taxi drew up outside the house.
draw something up to write something:
They drew up a list of people who they wanted to invite.
draw
I. draw1 S1 W1 /drɔː $ drɒː/ BrE AmE verb (past tense drew /druː/, past participle drawn /drɔːn $ drɒːn/)
[Language: Old English; Origin: dragan]
1. PICTURE [intransitive and transitive] to produce a picture of something using a pencil, pen etc:
Katie had drawn a cottage with a little stream running next to it.
She asked the little girl to draw a picture of the man she’d spoken to.
Keith was drawing a complicated-looking graph.
I’ve never been able to draw very well.
draw somebody something
Can you draw me a map of how to get there?
2. draw (sb’s) attention to make someone notice something
draw (sb’s) attention to
I have been asked to draw your attention to the following points.
A dark house can draw attention to the fact that the house is empty.
draw attention to yourself
He didn’t want to draw attention to himself.
The case drew international attention.
3. draw a conclusion to decide that a particular fact or principle is true according to the information you have been given
draw a conclusion from
It would be unwise to draw firm conclusions from the results of a single survey.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say reach a conclusion or come to a conclusion.
4. draw a comparison/parallel/distinction etc to compare two people or things and show how they are similar or different
draw a comparison/parallel/distinction etc between
The author draws a comparison between East and West Germany and the North-South divide in England.
The report draws a distinction between various forms of health care.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say make a comparison or distinction (but NOT make a parallel).
5. GET A REACTION [transitive] to get a particular kind of reaction from someone
draw something from somebody
His remarks drew an angry response from Democrats.
draw praise/criticism
The movie drew praise from critics.
6. ATTRACT [transitive] to attract someone or make them want to do something
draw somebody to something
What first drew you to teaching?
Beth felt strangely drawn to this gentle stranger.
The festival is likely to draw huge crowds.
7. GET SOMETHING YOU NEED [transitive] to get something that you need or want from someone or something
draw something from something
I drew a lot of comfort from her kind words.
Plants draw nourishment from the soil.
8. GIVE INFORMATION be drawn [usually in negatives] to give information in reply to questions about something:
She refused to be drawn on the subject.
9. MOVE [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move in a particular direction:
She drew away, but he pulled her close again.
The boat drew alongside us and a man appeared on the deck.
I arrived just as the train was drawing into the station.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use pull rather than draw:
▪ The train was pulling into the station.
10. draw near/closer to become closer in time or space:
Maria grew anxious as the men drew closer.
Christmas is drawing near.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually say get nearer/closer:
▪ Christmas is getting nearer.
11. draw level to move into a position where you are equal to someone else in a race, game, or competition:
Black drew level with the other runners.
12. PULL SOMEBODY/SOMETHING [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move someone or something in a particular direction by pulling them gently
draw somebody/something aside/up/across etc
Bobby drew a chair up to the table.
Hussain drew me aside to whisper in my ear.
draw the curtains/a blind etc (=close them by pulling them gently)
13. PULL A VEHICLE [transitive] if an animal draws a vehicle, it pulls it along:
a carriage drawn by six horses
an ox-drawn cart
14. TAKE SOMETHING OUT [transitive] to take something out of a container, pocket etc
draw something out/from something
Ali reached into his pocket and drew out a piece of paper.
draw a gun/sword/weapon etc
Maria drew her gun nervously and peered out into the gloom.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people usually use pull something out or take something out rather than draw something out:
▪ Ali reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.
15. draw a line (between something) to think or show that one thing is different from another:
Adolescents often use drugs simply to try to draw a line between their own and their parents’ way of life.
16. draw the line (at something) to allow or accept something up to a particular point, but not beyond it:
I don’t mind doing some gardening but I draw the line at digging.
17. where do you draw the line? spoken used to say it is impossible to decide at which point an acceptable limit has been reached:
Some say 50 is too old to have a baby, but where do you draw the line?
18. draw a line under something to say that something is completely finished and you will not think about it again:
I just want to draw a line under the relationship.
19. draw sb’s eye (to something) if something draws your eye, it makes you notice it:
My eye was drawn to a painting on the wall.
20. FROM A BANK (also draw out) [transitive] to take money from your bank account SYN withdraw:
Hughes had drawn $8,000 in cash from a bank in Toronto.
21. RECEIVE MONEY [transitive] to receive an amount of money regularly from a government or financial institution:
How long have you been drawing unemployment benefit?
I’ll be drawing my pension before he’ll ever get around to asking me to marry him!
22. draw a cheque (on something) British English, draw a check (on something) American English to write a cheque for taking money out of a particular bank account
23. BREATHE [intransitive and transitive] to take air or smoke into your lungs:
She drew a deep breath.
Ruth paused to draw breath, her voice barely hiding her excitement.
He lit his pipe and drew deeply.
24. draw breath to find time to have a rest when you are busy:
I’ve hardly had a moment to draw breath.
25. TAKE LIQUID FROM SOMETHING [transitive]
a) to take a liquid from something such as a ↑barrel or ↑tap
b) to take water from a ↑well
26. FIRE [intransitive] if a fire or ↑chimney draws, it lets the air flow through to make the fire burn well
27. CHOOSE [intransitive and transitive] to choose by chance a ticket etc that will win a prize:
The winning ticket will be drawn at the Christmas Party.
28. draw lots/straws to decide who will do something by taking pieces of paper out of a container or choosing ↑straws of hidden lengths:
We drew lots to see who would go first.
29. draw the short straw used to say that someone has been unlucky because they were chosen to do something that no one else wanted to do:
He drew the short straw and had to drive everyone to the party.
30. GAME [intransitive and transitive] especially British English to finish without either side winning in a game such as football SYN tie:
They drew 3–3.
draw with
Liverpool drew with Juventus.
31. be drawn against somebody British English to be chosen by chance to play or compete against someone:
England have been drawn against France in next month’s game.
32. draw a blank informal to be unsuccessful in finding information or the answer to a problem:
All his investigations have drawn a blank so far.
33. draw to a halt/stop if a vehicle draws to a halt or stop, it slows down and stops
34. draw to a close/end to end:
Festival-goers began to drift off as the evening drew to an end.
35. draw a veil over something to deliberately keep something unpleasant or embarrassing from being known:
I’d rather draw a veil over what happened last night.
36. draw blood
a) to make someone bleed:
The dog bit her so hard that it drew blood.
b) to make someone angry or embarrass them in an argument, especially a public one:
Barker sought to draw blood by mentioning his rival’s weakness of character.
37. draw a bow to bend a ↑bow by pulling back the string in order to shoot an ↑arrow
38. SHIP [transitive] technical if a ship draws a particular depth, it needs that depth of water to float in
⇨ be at daggers drawn at ↑dagger(3)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ draw to make a picture, pattern etc using a pen or pencil: The children were asked to draw a picture of their families. | I’m going to art classes to learn how to draw.
▪ sketch /sketʃ/ to draw a picture of something or someone quickly and without a lot of detail: Roy took a pencil and sketched the bird quickly, before it moved.
▪ illustrate to draw the pictures in a book: It’s a beautiful book, illustrated by Arthur Rackham.
▪ doodle /ˈduːdl/ to draw shapes or patterns without really thinking about what you are doing: He was on the phone, doodling on his notepad as he spoke.
▪ scribble to draw shapes or lines without making a definite picture or pattern. Small children do this before they have learned to draw or write: At the age of two, she loved scribbling with crayons and coloured pencils.
▪ trace to copy a picture by putting a piece of thin paper over it and drawing the lines that you can see through the paper: First trace the map, and then copy it into your workbooks.
draw back phrasal verb
1. to move backwards, especially because you are frightened or surprised:
Suddenly, she drew back, startled.
draw back in horror/shock/fear etc
She peeped into the box and drew back in horror.
2. to decide not to do something, especially because you think it would be bad for you SYN withdraw
draw back from
The government drew back from their extreme standpoint.
draw something ↔ down phrasal verb
to obtain money that it has been agreed that you can borrow, or to use money that has been saved:
He drew down the final $25 million of the loan.
draw in phrasal verb
1. British English if the days or nights draw in, it starts to get dark earlier in the evening because winter is coming:
In October the nights start drawing in.
2. draw somebody ↔ in to get someone involved in something:
We should use the demonstration as an opportunity to draw more supporters in.
Despite himself, he found himself being drawn in by the man’s warmth and ease.
3. draw in your horns British English to spend less money because you have financial problems
draw somebody into something phrasal verb
to make someone become involved in something, especially when they do not want to be involved:
He tried to draw her into conversation.
She found herself drawn into a disagreement between two of her neighbours.
draw something ↔ off phrasal verb
to remove some liquid from a larger supply:
The cold water is heated as it is drawn off.
draw on phrasal verb
1. draw on/upon something to use information, experience, knowledge etc for a particular purpose:
His work draws heavily on learning theories of the 1980s.
She has 20 years’ teaching experience to draw on.
2. draw on something to use part of a supply of something such as money:
I drew on my savings to pay for the repairs.
3. draw on a cigarette/cigar etc to breathe in smoke from a cigarette etc
4. British English formal if a period of time or an event draws on, it comes closer to its end:
Winter is drawing on.
As the journey drew on, he started to feel tired.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ draw on somebody's experience The books have drawn on the experience of practising teachers.
▪ draw on somebody's knowledge Fortunately I was able to draw on my own knowledge of the law.
▪ draw on somebody's resources The committee has drawn on the resources and skills of several local people.
▪ draw on somebody's ideas We hope that we will be able to draw on these ideas to develop the work further.
▪ draw on somebody's expertise (=expert knowledge and experience) Now we can draw on the expertise of some of the most talented network engineers.
draw out phrasal verb
1. draw something ↔ out to take money from your bank account
2. draw somebody ↔ out to make someone feel less shy and more willing to talk:
She just needed someone to draw her out and take an interest in her.
3. draw something ↔ out formal to mention a particular piece of information and explain it clearly and in detail:
There are two major themes to be drawn out in this discussion.
4. draw something ↔ out to make an event last longer than usual:
The final question drew the meeting out for another hour. ⇨ ↑drawn-out
5. British English if the days or nights draw out, it stays light until later in the evening because summer is coming
draw up phrasal verb
1. draw something ↔ up to prepare a written document, such as a list or contract:
Draw up a list of all the things you want to do.
draw up plans/proposals
He was asked to draw up proposals for reforming the law.
The contract was drawn up last year.
2. if a vehicle draws up, it arrives somewhere and stops:
A taxi drew up at the gate.
3. draw up a chair to move a chair closer to someone or something
4. draw yourself up (to your full height) to stand up very straight because you are angry or determined about something:
He drew himself up and said, ‘This has gone far enough’.
5. draw your knees up to bring your legs closer to your body:
Ruth sat, knees drawn up under her chin, and waited.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ nouns
▪ draw up a plan/scheme Local authorities have drawn up new plans for waste disposal.
▪ draw up a proposal The European Communities were drawing up proposals to control the export of chemicals.
▪ draw up a list They drew up a list of suitable candidates for the job.
▪ draw up guidelines A committee of teachers has drawn up guidelines for schools on how to deal with difficult students.
▪ draw up a report Environmental organizations have been involved in drawing up the report.
▪ draw up a contract/agreement Some people draw up a contract when they get married.
▪ draw up a timetable/schedule They haven’t yet drawn up a timetable for the elections.
▪ draw up a programme A small team has drawn up a programme of action.
▪ draw up a constitution (=set of laws and principles that govern a country) The first Czech constitution was drawn up here in 1920.
▪ draw up a budget (=plan of how to spend the money that is available) Each year business managers draw up a budget.
draw
draw [draw draws drew drawing drawn] verb, noun [drɔː] [drɔː]
verb (drew [druː] ; [druː] drawn [drɔːn] ; [drɔːn] )
MAKE PICTURES
1. intransitive, transitive to make pictures, or a picture of sth, with a pencil, pen or chalk (but not paint)
• You draw beautifully.
• ~ sth to draw a picture/diagram/graph
• She drew a house.
• He drew a circle in the sand with a stick.
• (figurative) The report drew a grim picture of inefficiency and corruption.
PULL
2. transitive ~ sth/sb + adv./prep. to move sth/sb by pulling it or them gently
• He drew the cork out of the bottle.
• I drew my chair up closer to the fire.
• She drew me onto the balcony.
• I tried to draw him aside (= for example where I could talk to him privately).
• (figurative) My eyes were drawn to the man in the corner.
3. transitive ~ sth (of horses, etc.) to pull a vehicle such as a carriage
• The Queen's coach was drawn by six horses.
• a horse-drawn carriage
CURTAINS
4. transitive ~ sth to open or close curtains, etc
• The blinds were drawn.
• It was getting dark so I switched on the light and drew the curtains.
• She drew back the curtains and let the sunlight in.
MOVE
5. intransitive + adv./prep. to move in the direction mentioned
• The train drew into the station.
• The train drew in.
• The figures in the distance seemed to be drawing closer.
• Their car drew alongside ours.
• (figurative) Her retirement is drawing near.
• (figurative) The meeting was drawing to a close.
WEAPON
6. transitive, intransitive ~ (sth) (on sb) to take out a weapon, such as a gun or a sword, in order to attack sb
• She drew a revolver on me.
• He came towards them with his sword drawn.
ATTRACT
7. transitive to attract or interest sb
• ~ sb The movie is drawing large audiences.
• The course draws students from all over the country.
• ~ sb to sth Her screams drew passers-by to the scene.
GET REACTION
8. transitive to produce a reaction or response
• ~ sth The plan has drawn a lot of criticism.
• ~ sth from sb The announcement drew loud applause from the audience.
MAKE SB TALK
9. transitive ~ sb (about/on sth) often passive to make sb say more about sth
• Spielberg refused to be drawn on his next movie.
CONCLUSION
10. transitive ~ sth (from sth) to have a particular idea after you have studied sth or thought about it
• What conclusions did you draw from the report?
• We can draw some lessons for the future from this accident.
COMPARISON
11. transitive ~ sth to express a comparison or a contrast
• to draw an analogy/a comparison/a parallel/a distinction between two events
CHOOSE
12. intransitive, transitive to decide sth by picking cards, tickets or numbers by chance
• We drew for partners.
• ~ sth They had to draw lots to decide who would go.
• He drew the winning ticket.
• Names were drawn from a hat for the last few places.
• Italy has been drawn against Spain in the first round.
• ~ sb/sth to do sth Italy has been drawn to play Spain.
GAME
13. intransitive, transitive to finish a game without either team winning
• England and France drew.
• England and France drew 3–3.
• ~ with/against sb England drew with/against France.
• ~ sth England drew their game against France.
MONEY
14. transitive to take money or payments from a bank account or post office
Syn: withdraw
• ~ sth out (of sth) I drew out £200.
• Can I draw $80 out of my account?
• ~ sth (from sth) She went to the post office to draw her pension.
• ~ sth on sth The cheque was drawn on his personal account.
LIQUID/GAS
15. transitive ~ sth (+adv./prep.) to take or pull liquid or gas from somewhere
• to draw water from a well
• The device draws gas along the pipe.
SMOKE/AIR
16. intransitive, transitive to breathe in smoke or air
• ~ at/on sth He drew thoughtfully on his pipe.
• ~ sth in She breathed deeply, drawing in the fresh mountain air.
more at the battle lines are drawn at battle n., draw/get a bead on sb/sth at bead n., at daggers drawn at dagger, draw yourself up/rise to your full height at height, draw/pull your horns in at horn, cast/draw lots at lot n., draw sb to one side at side n.
Word Origin:
Old English dragan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch dragen and German tragen, also to draught.
Thesaurus:
draw verb T, I
• She drew a house in green felt tip.
sketch • • paint • |BrE colour • |AmE color •
draw/sketch/paint/colour a picture
draw/sketch/paint a landscape/portrait
draw/sketch a diagram/graph
Collocations:
Fine arts
Creating art
make a work of art/a drawing/a sketch/a sculpture/a statue/engravings/etchings/prints
do an oil painting/a self-portrait/a line drawing/a rough sketch
create a work of art/an artwork/paintings and sculptures
produce paintings/portraits/oil sketches/his most celebrated work/a series of prints
paint a picture/landscape/portrait/mural/in oils/in watercolours/(especially US) in watercolors/on canvas
draw a picture/a portrait/a cartoon/a sketch/a line/a figure/the human form/in charcoal/in ink
sketch a preliminary drawing/a figure/a shape
carve a figure/an image/a sculpture/an altarpiece/reliefs/a block of wood
sculpt a portrait bust/a statue/an abstract figure
etch a line/a pattern/a design/a name into the glass
mix colours/(especially US) colors/pigments/paints
add/apply thin/thick layers of paint/colour/(especially US) color/pigment
use oil pastels/charcoal/acrylic paint/a can of spray paint
work in bronze/ceramics/stone/oils/pastels/watercolour/a wide variety of media
Describing art
paint/depict a female figure/a biblical scene/a pastoral landscape/a domestic interior
depict/illustrate a traditional/mythological/historical/religious theme
create an abstract composition/a richly textured surface/a distorted perspective
paint dark/rich/skin/flesh tones
use broad brush strokes/loose brushwork/vibrant colours/a limited palette/simple geometric forms
develop/adopt/paint in a stylized manner/an abstract style
Showing and selling art
commission an altarpiece/a bronze bust of sb/a portrait/a religious work/an artist to paint sth
frame a painting/portrait
hang art/a picture/a painting
display/exhibit modern art/sb's work/a collection/original artwork/ drawings/sculptures/a piece
be displayed/hung in a gallery/museum
install/place a sculpture in/at/on sth
erect/unveil a bronze/marble/life-size statue
hold/host/mount/open/curate/see (especially BrE) an exhibition/(NAmE usually) exhibit
be/go on (BrE) exhibition/(NAmE) exhibit
feature/promote/showcase a conceptual artist/contemporary works
collect African art/modern British paintings/Japanese prints
restore/preserve a fresco/great works of art
Synonyms:
pull
drag • draw • haul • tow • tug
These words all mean to move sth in a particular direction, especially towards or behind you.
pull • to hold sth and move it in a particular direction; to hold or be attached to a vehicle and move it along behind you: ▪ Pull the chair nearer the table. ◊ ▪ They use oxen to pull their carts.
drag • to pull sb/sth in a particular direction or behind you, usually along the ground, and especially with effort: ▪ The sack is too heavy to lift— you'll have to drag it.
draw • (formal) to move sb/sth by pulling them/it gently; to pull a vehicle such as a carriage: ▪ I drew my chair closer to the fire. ◊ ▪ a ▪ horse-drawn ▪ carriage
haul • to pull sb/sth to a particular place with a lot of effort: ▪ Fishermen were hauling in their nets.
drag or haul?
You usually drag sth behind you along the ground; you usually haul sth towards you, often upwards towards you. Dragging sth often needs effort, but hauling sth always does.
tow • to pull a car, boat or light plane behind another vehicle, using a rope or chain: ▪ Our car was towed away by the police.
tug • to pull sb/sth hard in a particular direction: ▪ She tried to escape but he tugged her back.
to pull/drag/draw/haul/tow/tug sb/sth along/down/towards sth
to pull/drag/draw/haul/tow sb/sth behind you
to pull/drag/draw/haul a cart/sledge
to pull/draw a coach/carriage
to pull/haul/tow a truck
horses pull/draw/haul sth
dogs pull/drag/haul sth
Example Bank:
• Animals are instinctively drawn to those who like them.
• He approached her but she drew away.
• He draws very well.
• He was increasingly drawn to the idea of making short films.
• Her gaze was drawn irresistibly to the scene outside.
• I drew my chair up to the fire.
• I tried to draw him aside so I could talk to him in private.
• Make sure the contract is properly drawn up.
• She drew me onto the balcony
• She sat with her legs drawn up on the sofa.
• The blinds were partly drawn.
• The contrasts of mood in the first movement are very sharply drawn.
• The ducts draw out stale air.
• The meeting was drawing to a close.
• The plan has drawn interest from local businessmen.
• The project enables students to draw together their knowledge, skills and experience.
• The site's boundaries were tightly drawn by the Department of the Environment.
• We asked the surfing champion what first drew him to the sport.
• We drew closer to try to hear what was being said.
• We drew names randomly out of a hat.
• a beautifully drawn picture
• a crudely drawn child's face
• as the boat drew towards the shore
• A taxi drew up and we got in.
• As he drew near, I could see that he was limping.
• Draw the curtains— it's dark outside.
• She drew water from the well, and splashed her hands and face.
• She waved to me as I drew up.
• The Queen's coach was drawn by six horses.
• The blinds were drawn and the house looked shut up.
• The company has been drawing gas and oil out of the rich ground for 62 years.
• The device draws water along the pipe.
• The figure in the distance seemed to be drawing closer.
Idioms: draw a blank ▪ draw a line under something ▪ draw blood ▪ draw breath ▪ draw somebody's fire ▪ draw straws ▪ draw the line ▪ draw the short straw ▪ fast on the draw
Derived: draw back ▪ draw down ▪ draw down on something ▪ draw in ▪ draw on ▪ draw on something ▪ draw out ▪ draw somebody in ▪ draw somebody into into doing something ▪ draw somebody out ▪ draw something down ▪ draw something from somebody ▪ draw something off ▪ draw something out ▪ draw something up ▪ draw up
draw
draw (TAKE MONEY) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T + preposition] drew, drawn
to get money from a bank, account, etc. so that you can use it:
Alison drew some money out of her account to pay for our trip.
draw (INTO LUNGS) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I or T] drew, drawn
to take air or smoke into your lungs:
She drew a deep breath and plunged into the water.
draw (RECEIVE MONEY) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
to receive money regularly, especially as an employee or from the government:
He's been drawing a pension for ten years.
draw (CAUSE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
If something draws a reaction, people react in the stated way:
Her speech last night in the Senate drew an angry response.
draw (USE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
to get a feeling, idea, etc. from something or someone:
She drew comfort from the fact that he died peacefully.
draw (TAKE OUT) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
1 to take something out of a container or your pocket, especially a weapon:
Suddenly he drew a gun/knife and held it to my throat.
2 to cause a substance, especially blood, to come out of a body:
He bit me so hard that it drew blood.
draw (MAKE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
1 FORMAL to make or show a comparison between things:
You can't really draw a comparison between the two cases - they're entirely different.
It's sometimes very difficult to draw a clear distinction between the meanings of different words.
2 draw a conclusion to consider the facts of a situation and make a decision about what is true, correct, likely to happen, etc:
I'd seen them together so often I drew the logical conclusion that they were husband and wife.
draw /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I] drew, drawn
Coventry drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the semi-finals.
draw (CHOOSE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I or T] drew, drawn
to choose a number, card, etc. from several numbers, cards, etc. without first seeing it, in a competition or a game:
I was dealt two aces and I drew a third.
draw (PULL) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T + adverb or preposition] drew, drawn
1 to pull or direct something in a particular direction:
She drew her coat tightly around her shoulders.
The crowd watched as the referee drew the player aside/to one side/UK ALSO on one side and spoke to him.
2 draw the curtains to pull curtains so that they are either together or apart
draw (ATTRACT) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [T] drew, drawn
to attract attention or interest:
He's an excellent speaker who always draws a crowd.
Does he wear those ridiculous clothes to draw attention?
Could I draw your attention to item number three on the agenda?
draw (MOVE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I + adverb or preposition] drew, drawn
1 to move in a particular direction, especially in a vehicle:
The train slowly drew into the station/drew in.
As we drew alongside (= reached) the black car, I suddenly recognized my ex-boyfriend at the wheel.
Montgomery drew level with Greene in the 100 metres final, but never passed him.
2 draw near/close, etc. to become nearer in space or time:
As Christmas draws nearer, the shops start to get unbearably crowded.
As she drew closer I realized that I knew her.
3 draw to a close/an end to gradually finish:
As the evening drew to a close, people started reaching for their coats.
draw (PICTURE) /drɔː/ US /drɑː/
verb [I or T] drew, drawn
to make a picture of something or someone with a pencil or pen:
Jonathon can draw brilliantly.
The children drew pictures of their families.
Draw a line at the bottom of the page.
draw
/drɔ:/
(draws, drawing, drew, drawn)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
When you draw, or when you draw something, you use a pencil or pen to produce a picture, pattern, or diagram.
She would sit there drawing with the pencil stub...
Draw a rough design for a logo...
= sketch
VERB: V, V n
2.
When a vehicle draws somewhere, it moves there smoothly and steadily.
Claire had seen the taxi drawing away...
VERB: V adv/prep
3.
If you draw somewhere, you move there slowly. (WRITTEN)
She drew away and did not smile...
When we drew level, he neither slowed down nor accelerated.
VERB: V adv/prep, V adj
4.
If you draw something or someone in a particular direction, you move them in that direction, usually by pulling them gently. (WRITTEN)
He drew his chair nearer the fire...
He put his arm around Caroline’s shoulders and drew her close to him...
Wilson drew me aside after an interview.
= pull
VERB: V n prep, V n adj, V n with adv
5.
When you draw a curtain or blind, you pull it across a window, either to cover or to uncover it.
After drawing the curtains, she lit a candle...
Mother was lying on her bed, with the blinds drawn.
VERB: V n, V-ed
6.
If someone draws a gun, knife, or other weapon, they pull it out of its container and threaten you with it.
He drew his dagger and turned to face his pursuers.
= take out
VERB: V n
7.
If an animal or vehicle draws something such as a cart, carriage, or another vehicle, it pulls it along.
...a slow-moving tractor, drawing a trailer.
VERB: V n
8.
If you draw a deep breath, you breathe in deeply once.
He paused, drawing a deep breath.
VERB: V n
9.
If you draw on a cigarette, you breathe the smoke from it into your mouth or lungs.
He drew on an American cigarette...
Her cheeks hollowed as she drew smoke into her lungs.
VERB: V on n, V n into n
10.
To draw something such as water or energy from a particular source means to take it from that source.
Villagers still have to draw their water from wells.
VERB: V n from n
11.
If something that hits you or presses part of your body draws blood, it cuts your skin so that it bleeds.
Any practice that draws blood could increase the risk of getting the virus.
VERB: V n
12.
If you draw money out of a bank, building society, or savings account, you get it from the account so that you can use it.
She was drawing out cash from a cash machine...
Companies could not draw money from bank accounts as cash.
VERB: V n with out, V n from n
13.
If you draw a salary or a sum of money, you receive a sum of money regularly.
For the first few years I didn’t draw any salary at all...
VERB: V n
14.
To draw something means to choose it or to be given it, as part of a competition, game, or lottery.
We delved through a sackful of letters to draw the winning name...
VERB: V n
•
Draw is also a noun.
...the draw for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.
16.
To draw something from a particular thing or place means to take or get it from that thing or place.
I draw strength from the millions of women who have faced this challenge successfully...
VERB: V n from n
17.
If you draw a particular conclusion, you decide that that conclusion is true.
He draws two conclusions from this...
He says he cannot yet draw any conclusions about the murders.
VERB: V n from n, V n
18.
If you draw a comparison, parallel, or distinction, you compare or contrast two different ideas, systems, or other things.
...literary critics drawing comparisons between George Sand and George Eliot...
VERB: V n
19.
If you draw someone’s attention to something, you make them aware of it or make them think about it.
He was waving his arms to draw their attention...
He just wants to draw attention to the plight of the unemployed.
VERB: V n, V n to n
20.
If someone or something draws a particular reaction, people react to it in that way.
Such a policy would inevitably draw fierce resistance from farmers.
...an official tour to South Africa which drew angry political reactions.
VERB: V n from n, V n
21.
If something such as a film or an event draws a lot of people, it is so interesting or entertaining that a lot of people go to it.
The game is currently drawing huge crowds.
VERB: V n
22.
If someone or something draws you, it attracts you very strongly.
He drew and enthralled her...
What drew him to the area was its proximity to central London.
VERB: V n, V n to n
23.
If someone will not be drawn or refuses to be drawn, they will not reply to questions in the way that you want them to, or will not reveal information or their opinion. (mainly BRIT)
The ambassador would not be drawn on questions of a political nature...
‘Did he say why?’—‘No, he refuses to be drawn.’
VERB: with brd-neg, usu passive, be V-ed on n, be V-ed
24.
In a game or competition, if one person or team draws with another one, or if two people or teams draw, they have the same number of points or goals at the end of the game. (mainly BRIT)
Holland and the Republic of Ireland drew one-one...
We drew with Ireland in the first game...
Egypt drew two of their matches in Italy.
= tie
V-RECIP: pl-n V num, V with/against n, V n (non-recip)
1draw /ˈdrɑː/ verb draws; drew /ˈdruː/; drawn /ˈdrɑːn/; draw·ing
1 : to make (a picture, image, etc.) by making lines on a surface especially with a pencil, pen, marker, chalk, etc., but not usually with paint
[+ obj]
• He drew me a picture of the bike. = He drew a picture of the bike for me.
• The computer can draw the graph for you.
• Students drew maps of the states and labeled them.
[no obj]
• You draw very well.
• She sat down and began to draw.
- compare paint
2 [+ obj] : to cause (attention) to be given to someone or something
• The case has drawn attention to the fact that many athletes never graduate.
• I would like to draw your attention to the third line.
• He didn't want to draw attention to himself. [=he did not want to cause people to notice him]
3 [+ obj]
a : to cause (someone or something) to come : to attract (someone or something)
• The band always draws a large crowd.
• She felt drawn [=attracted] to the young man.
• The college draws students from around the world.
• The animals were drawn to the campsite by the smell of food.
• We hope the display in the window will draw customers in from the street.
• The lure of city life has drawn away many of the town's young people.
• My eye was drawn to the painting. [=some characteristic of the painting made me want to look at it]
b : to cause (someone) to become involved or interested in something or someone - + in, into, or to
• What first drew you to teaching?
• A good writer knows how to draw readers in. [=how to make readers interested; how to make people want to read something]
- often used as (be/get) drawn
• She was drawn in by his friendly manner. [=she wanted to know and talk to him because he was friendly]
• She got drawn into the conversation.
4 [+ obj] : to get or receive (something)
• a television show that has drawn consistently high ratings
• The player drew a foul. : to get (a particular response or reaction)
• His speech drew cheers from the crowd.
• The movie has drawn much criticism/praise from critics.
• He is a talented high school athlete who has drawn the interest of several major colleges.
• The principal's remarks have drawn fire [=attracted angry criticism] from both parents and teachers.
5 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move in a specified direction
• She drew away from the spider.
• He opened the door and drew back in horror/shock/fear.
• The car drew (up) alongside us.
• The train drew [=pulled] into the station.
• She drew her eyebrows together in a frown of concentration.
- sometimes used figuratively
• He drew away [=(more commonly) withdrew] from his family.
b [+ obj] : to move (something) by pulling
• a carriage drawn by horses = a horse-drawn carriage
• Draw the curtains/blinds/shades. [=open or close the curtains/blinds/shades]
• a special fabric that draws moisture away from the skin
• She drew the blanket over her head.
• Draw up a chair and join us. [=bring a chair to where we are and sit down with us]
• She sat down in the chair and drew up her knees/legs. [=she bent her legs and moved her knees toward her chest]
- sometimes used figuratively
• The tragedy drew us closer together. [=made us emotionally closer]
6 [no obj] : to move gradually or steadily in time or space
• The lion drew closer to its prey.
• The sun is setting and the day is drawing to a close. [=ending]
• Spring is drawing near/nigh. [=approaching]
• The car drew to a halt/stop. [=the car slowed down and stopped]
7 [+ obj]
a : to form (something, such as an idea or conclusion) after thinking carefully about information you have
• You can draw your own conclusions.
- often + from
• a writer who draws ideas from newspaper stories
• We can draw lessons from past mistakes. [=we can learn from past mistakes]
b : to describe how two or more things are similar or different : to make (a comparison, distinction, etc.) between two or more things
• Many people have been drawing comparisons between the two movies. [=have been saying that the movies are similar]
• She drew important distinctions between the two methods. [=described important ways that the two methods are different]
8 a [+ obj] : to take (something) out of a container, pocket, etc.
• They were arguing, and then one of them drew [=pulled] a gun.
• One of the thieves drew a knife on her. [=one of the thieves took a knife out of a pocket, container, etc., and pointed it at her]
• She drew water from the well.
- see also at daggers drawn at dagger
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to come out of a source
• He drew [=ran] water for a bath.
c [+ obj] : to get (something) from a source
• The car also draws power from a battery.
• She draws strength/inspiration from her loving family.
d : to take (a card) from a group of cards
[+ obj]
• Draw four cards.
[no obj]
• You haven't drawn yet.
9 a [+ obj] : to choose (a thing) from a group without knowing which one you are choosing
• She drew the winning number/ticket.
• We drew names from a hat to decide who would go on the trip.
• (Brit) The U.S. team have been drawn against [=chosen to play against] Greece in the first round.
- see also draw lots at lot
b [no obj] : to decide something by choosing something from a group
• We'll draw to see who will drive.
- see also draw straws (below)
10 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a legal document) in a proper or legal form
• We hired a lawyer to draw a will.
- often + up
• They drew up a contract/proposal/plan/list.
11 a [+ obj] : to take (something, such as air or smoke) into your lungs by breathing
• She drew a deep breath before responding.
- often + in
• He drew the fresh air in. = He drew in the fresh air.
b [no obj] : to let air flow through
• Make sure the chimney is drawing properly.
• The pipe draws well.
12 [+ obj]
a : to take (money) from a bank account : withdraw
- usually + from or out
• He drew $100 from the bank.
• She drew out the money.
b : to receive (money) regularly from an employer, government, bank, etc.
• He draws a salary of about $100,000.
• He draws unemployment benefits.
• She has started to draw her pension.
c : to write (a check) and have money taken from a bank account
• You are now authorized to draw checks from the corporate account.
13 Brit : to finish a game, contest, etc., without having a winner : tie
[+ obj]
• We drew [=(US) tied] the game 3–3.
[no obj]
• The teams drew [=(US) tied] 3–3. [=each team scored three points]
- often + against
• The teams have drawn against each other.
14 [+ obj] archery : to bend (a bow) by pulling back the string
• He drew his bow and aimed at the target.
15 [+ obj] Brit : to cause (someone) to say more about something especially by questioning - often used as (be) drawn; usually + on
• She refused to be drawn on whether the company is considering a merger.
16 [+ obj] technical of a boat : to need (a particular depth of water) in order to float
• The ship draws 45 feet of water.
draw a bead on
- see bead
draw a blank
- see 2blank
draw a/the line
- see 1line
draw blood
- see blood
draw in your horns
- see 1horn
draw off [phrasal verb] draw off (something) or draw (something) off : to take or remove (something) from a source or supply
• They illegally drew off thousands of dollars that had been donated to the charity.
draw on/upon [phrasal verb]
1 draw on literary : to come closer in time
• It became colder as night drew on. [=approached]
2 draw on/upon (something)
a : to use (something) as a source or supply
• The family is drawing on/upon the community for support.
b : to use (information, experience, knowledge, etc.) to make something
• Her new book draws on her personal experience as a firefighter.
• The report draws upon several recent studies.
3 draw on (something) : to breathe in smoke from (a cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc.)
• He drew on his cigarette.
draw out [phrasal verb]
1 draw (something) out or draw out (something) : to cause something to leave a source or supply
• Trees draw water out of the soil.
• Salt will draw out moisture from the vegetables.
2 draw (something) out or draw out (something) : to cause (something) to last longer than the usual or expected amount of time
• Questions drew the meeting out for another hour.
• The movie's love scene was drawn out.
- see also drawn-out, long-drawn-out
3 draw (someone) out or draw out (someone) : to cause (someone) to talk freely
• She tried to draw the frightened child out by asking him questions about his toys.
• The reporter had an ability to draw out people.
draw straws
✦If you draw straws, you choose a stick from a group of sticks that are different sizes but that are being held in such a way that they look like they are all the same size. Usually, whoever chooses the shortest stick or gets/draws the short straw will have to do a particular thing.
• Let's draw straws to see who will drive.
• He drew the short straw so he has to drive.
draw the blinds/curtain/shades on : to end (something that has been continuing for a long time)
• Let's draw the curtain on this investigation.
- see also 1draw 5b (above)
draw up [phrasal verb]
1 of a vehicle : to approach and stop at a place
• A car drew up [=pulled up] in front of the house.
2 draw (yourself) up : to stand as straight and tall as you can
• He drew himself up to (his) full height.
Don't drink the milk— it's off.
a white liquid produced by cows or goats that is drunk by people
Don't drink the milk— it's off.
noun (no plural)
the white liquid that a mother makes in her body to give to her baby. People drink the milk of cows and some other animals:
Do you want milk in your coffee?
milk
I. milk1 S2 W3 /mɪlk/ BrE AmE noun
[Language: Old English; Origin: meolc, milc]
1. [uncountable] a white liquid produced by cows or goats that is drunk by people:
a bottle of milk
Would you like some milk in your tea?
a pint of semi-skimmed milk
2. [uncountable] a white liquid produced by female animals and women for feeding their babies:
mothers who believe that breast milk is best for their babies
The tiny fox cubs drink nothing but their mother’s milk.
3. [uncountable] a liquid or juice produced by particular plants, especially the coconut
4. [uncountable and countable] a thin white liquid used to clean or protect skin SYN lotion:
a mild facial cleansing milk
5. the milk of human kindness literary the kind and sympathetic behaviour of most ordinary people
⇨ evaporated milk, ⇨ cry over spilt milk at cry1(3), ⇨ land of milk and honey at land1(8)
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ drink milk Drinking milk keeps your bones strong.
▪ have/take milk (=drink milk in your tea or coffee) Do you take milk in your coffee?
▪ pour milk She poured some milk into a saucepan.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + milk
▪ sour (=not fresh) Milk turns sour very quickly in hot weather.
▪ fresh She made me drink a glass of fresh milk.
▪ cold I can only drink milk if it’s really cold.
▪ hot/warm Can I have a cup of warm milk please?
▪ pasteurized (=milk that has been heated to kill harmful bacteria) a type of cheese made from pasteurized milk
▪ homogenized (=milk that has had the cream mixed into the milk) Most milk sold in stores is homogenized milk.
▪ whole milk (also full-fat milk British English) (=milk that has not had any fat taken out) The ice cream is made from whole milk.
▪ semi-skimmed milk British English (also low-fat milk) (=milk that has had some of the fat taken out) Adults should drink semi-skimmed milk rather than whole milk.
▪ skimmed milk British English, skim milk/nonfat milk American English (=milk that has had all the fat taken out) a bowl of cereal with skim milk
▪ long-life milk British English (=specially treated milk that you can keep for a long time) I’ve got a carton of long-life milk in the cupboard.
▪ powdered milk (also dry milk American English) Powdered milk is useful for camping trips.
▪ baby/formula milk (=milk in powder form for babies) Many babies are fed formula milk.
■ milk + NOUN
▪ milk bottle Put the empty milk bottles into the crates.
▪ milk carton (=a plastic or cardboard container in which milk is sold) containers such as milk cartons and soap powder boxes
▪ milk jug She put the butter, jam and milk jug on the table.
▪ milk powder hot water mixed with milk powder
■ phrases
▪ a glass of milk Would you like a glass of milk?
▪ a bottle of milk I accidentally knocked over a bottle of milk.
▪ a pint of milk I need to buy a pint of milk.
milk
milk [milk milks milked milking] noun, verb [mɪlk] [mɪlk]
noun uncountable
1. the white liquid produced by cows, goats and some other animals as food for their young and used as a drink by humans
• a pint/litre of milk
• a bottle/carton of milk
• fresh/dried/powdered milk
• Do you take milk in your tea?
• milk products (= butter, cheese, etc.)
2. the white liquid that is produced by women and female mammals for feeding their babies
• breast milk
3. the white juice of some plants and trees, especially the coconut
see also soya milk
more at cry over spilt milk at cry v., the land of milk and honey at land n.
Word Origin:
Old English milc, milcian, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch melk and German Milch, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin mulgere and Greek amelgein ‘to milk’.
Example Bank:
• Don't drink the milk— it's off.
• Dried milk keeps better than fluid milk.
• She expressed some milk so her husband could do the night feeding.
• The milk has gone off/turned sour.
• They've stopped delivering milk in our area.
• a calcium-fortified milk which provides more calcium than regular milk
• a can of condensed milk
Idiom: milk of human kindness
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
milk / mɪlk / noun [ U ]
A1 the white liquid produced by cows, goats, and sheep and used by humans as a drink or for making butter, cheese, etc.:
a glass/carton of milk
cow's/goat's milk
skimmed/pasteurized milk
a milk bottle
the white liquid produced by women and other female mammals as food for their young:
Breast/Mother's milk is the best nourishment for a baby.
the white liquid produced by some plants and trees:
coconut milk
© Cambridge University Press 2013
milk
[mɪ̱lk]
♦♦♦
milks, milking, milked
1) N-UNCOUNT Milk is the white liquid produced by cows, goats, and some other animals, which people drink and use to make butter, cheese, and yoghurt.
He popped out to buy a pint of milk.
...basic foods such as meat, bread and milk.
...empty milk bottles.
2) VERB If someone milks a cow or goat, they get milk from it, using either their hands or a machine.
[V n] Farm-workers milked cows by hand.
Derived words:
milking N-UNCOUNT oft N n ...an automatic milking machine... The evening milking is usually done at about 7.30pm.
3) N-UNCOUNT Milk is the white liquid produced by women to feed their babies.
Milk from the mother's breast is a perfect food for the human baby.
Syn:
breast milk
4) N-MASS Liquid products for cleaning your skin or making it softer are sometimes referred to as milks.
Sales of cleansing milks, creams and gels have doubled over the past decade.
Syn:
lotion
7) PHRASE (disapproval) If you think that someone's suggestions or ideas are weak or sentimental, you can say that they are milk and water. [mainly BRIT]
Fryer dismisses the report as `milk and water'.
1milk /ˈmɪlk/ noun [noncount]
1 : a white liquid produced by a woman to feed her baby or by female animals to feed their young
• mother's/breast milk
• cheese made from sheep's milk especially; : milk from cows or goats that is used as food by people
• a glass of low-fat/whole milk
• serving milk and cookies
• pasteurized/homogenized milk
• whole milk [=milk from which no fat has been removed]
- see also condensed milk, evaporated milk, malted milk, skim milk
2 : a white liquid produced by a plant
• coconut milk
cry over spilled/spilt milk
land of milk and honey
the milk of human kindness literary : kind feelings or behavior toward other people
• He was filled with the milk of human kindness. [=he was filled with kindness; he was very kind]
Do you want to dance?
To move your feet and body in a way that matches the style and speed of music
Do you want to dance?
verb (dances, dancing, danced )
to move your body to music:
Ian dances well.
I danced with her all night.
>> dancing noun (no plural):
Will there be dancing at the party?
II. dance2 S2 W3 BrE AmE verb
[Date: 1200-1300; Language: Old French; Origin: dancier]
1. [intransitive and transitive] to move your feet and body in a way that matches the style and speed of music:
Come on, let’s dance.
dance to
They danced to Ruby Newman’s orchestra (=the orchestra was playing).
dance with
The bride danced with her father.
dance a waltz/rumba/tango etc
2. [intransitive and transitive] to dance in performances, especially in ↑ballet:
He danced with the Boston Repertory Ballet.
Nakamura dances several solos in this production.
3. [intransitive] literary to move up, down, and around quickly:
Pink and white balloons danced in the wind.
4. dance to sb’s tune to do what someone wants you to do – used to show disapproval:
At that time, Eastern bloc countries danced to the Soviet tune.
5. dance attendance on somebody to do everything possible in order to please someone:
a movie star with several young men dancing attendance on her
—dancing noun [uncountable]:
the beauty of her dancing
verb
1. intransitive to move your body to the sound and rhythm of music
• Do you want to dance?
• He asked me to dance.
• They stayed up all night singing and dancing.
• They danced to the music of a string quartet.
• Ruth danced all evening with Richard.
• Ruth and Richard danced together all evening.
2. transitive ~ sth to do a particular type of dance
• to dance the tango
• to dance a waltz
• He was so excited about the good news that he danced a little jig.
3. intransitive to move in a lively way
• The children danced around her.
• The sun shone on the sea and the waves danced and sparkled.
• The words danced before her tired eyes.
Word Origin:
Middle English: from Old French dancer (verb), dance (noun), of unknown origin.
Example Bank:
• He was almost dancing for joy.
• They danced wildly down the street.
• We danced to the music.
• Will you dance with me?
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
dance / dɑns / / dæns / verb
A1 [ I or T ] to move the body and feet to music:
We danced all night.
We went dancing at a club.
What sort of music do you like dancing to ?
Who was she dancing with at the party last night?
Can you dance the tango?
Colin would dance the night away at XXL.
[ I ] literary to move quickly and lightly:
The daffodils were dancing in the breeze.
She watched the sunlight dancing on the water.
© Cambridge University Press 2013
1.
When you dance, you move your body and feet in a way which follows a rhythm, usually in time to music.
Polly had never learned to dance...
I like to dance to the music on the radio.
VERB: V, V to n
3.
When you dance with someone, the two of you take part in a dance together, as partners. You can also say that two people dance.
It’s a terrible thing when nobody wants to dance with you...
Shall we dance?...
He asked her to dance.
V-RECIP: V with n, pl-n V, V (non-recip)
6.
If you dance a particular kind of dance, you do it or perform it.
Then we put the music on, and we all danced the Charleston...
VERB: V n
7.
If you dance somewhere, you move there lightly and quickly, usually because you are happy or excited. (LITERARY)
He danced off down the road...
VERB: V adv/prep
8.
If you say that something dances, you mean that it moves about, or seems to move about, lightly and quickly. (LITERARY)
Light danced on the surface of the water...
VERB: V adv/prep
1dance /ˈdæns, Brit ˈdɑːns/ verb danc·es; danced; danc·ing
1 a [no obj] : to move your body in a way that goes with the rhythm and style of music that is being played
• He never learned how to dance.
• She has always loved to dance.
• I like the song but it's really hard to dance to.
• Would you like to dance with me? = (more formally) Shall we dance?
• We danced the night away. [=we danced the entire evening]
b [+ obj] : to move with and guide (someone) as music plays : to dance with (someone)
• He danced her across the floor.
2 [+ obj] : to perform (a particular type of dance)
• dancing the waltz/polka/twist
3 [no obj] : to perform as a dancer
• She dances with a famous ballet company.
• She's a great actress, and she can dance and sing, too.
4 [no obj] : to move quickly up and down, from side to side, etc.
• We danced for joy when we heard the news.
• He sat watching the leaves dancing in the breeze.
• The boxer danced around his opponent.
dance to someone's tune : to do what someone wants or forces you to do
• The boss has got everyone dancing to her tune.
• The senators are dancing to the tune of the President.
- danc·er noun, pl -ers [count]
• I'm a terrible dancer.
• ballet dancers
- dancing adj
• We're taking dancing lessons.
• dancing shoes
- dancing noun [noncount]
• They went out for dinner and dancing.
• She's always loved dancing.
• Would you like to go dancing tonight?
